Oatmeal

Oatmeal

oatmeal is the essence my morning practice, it's preparation and then the enjoyment of my first meal. This is a mindful activity, yet more so, it's a ritual of gratitude, a deep appreciation of nourishment and flavor and all that has had to happen across the world to bring this meal to me. I take no aspect of this for granted, not the oats grown organically and with care, nor the blueberries and bananas packed with flavonoids and antioxidants. Flax seed, walnuts, and just a touch of cinnamon add to this and provide further nutriments for the healthy function of my body. Everything is noted, just a brief nod of thanks for what's been give to me right now, a meal that's been offered directly from the earth and meant to nourish and heal. 

yes, oatmeal essence of my morning practice. 

my breakfast is soon after meditation, my fast extended just a bit for yoga and writing, coffee enjoyed at my desk as I write and listen to the morning stir itself awake. I've long settled into this routine, every part enjoyable and suits my early mood. My fast used to be longer, the first meal put off until late afternoon and this extended time agreed with my body, with many benefits found from this refrain. But the past few years have brought some changes that have caused me to end my fast early, still a lengthy time and one that builds in anticipation for my first meal. 

what I've found is that so soon after meditation, still early, just before sunrise, and my mind retains the quietness of my sitting, a mindfulness that arrives quite naturally, easily. It takes no effort for gratitude to be offered now, it's a seamless moment of deep appreciation from waking to the preparation of first meal. and further even through the day. It's spontaneous, lovingly so, and happens quite frequently as I make breakfast, perhaps the combination of meditation and long fast prepare my heart to be open to this joy. And this is a true and real joy, soul deep in it's appreciation, extending past the preparation of my meal to all that made this moment possible. It fills the world. 

oatmeal is the essence of my morning practice, a manifestation of my joy. 

and it happens naturally on its own. 

~

Peace, Eric