Yesterday, I wrote and videoed a meditation on love. I set the theme around the idea that we are all made of love and have love to give. As I was reflecting on the love of self, I reread the 5th Wonderful Precept:
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health—both physical and mental—for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant, or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins—such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger and confusion in myself and in others by observing a wholesome diet. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.
To me two things stand out:
1-Mindfulness around what we put into our body IS SELF LOVE!!! I used to diet with the idea of starving myself or restricting myself from certain foods that I loved. To use food this way hurts me and does not show self-care or self-love! I love the idea that as I am buying food at the grocery store, fixing food at home, or about to fill my plate to think about what is most loving to myself. If I know that certain food items cause me harm, why would I put that food in my body?
2-Mindfulness of what we allow into our body, our minds and our soul creates connection between us and all living things. It’s not just about me!!! I can be mindful of what products promote peace in the world and what brands to stay away from. That is one way to feel that we are all connected. Another way is to think about how from Mother Earth we came and to Mother Earth our bodies will return. From the stars in the sky to the ground beneath our feet and all living things in between, we are all connected and my decisions do not just affect me, they affect everyone around me! My mood might be altered or my language become hurtful depending on what goes into my body.
How will you love yourself today? Maybe look at yesterday’s blog post and meditate!
Amber Mattingly 