Dear Corinne,
Glad to hear that reliving a ‘blackberrying expedition’ was so fruitful!
Traditionally some foods go together, like fish and chips, eggs and bacon and when it comes to blackberries…apples come to mind! So it seems logical for apples to be the theme for this week’s Midday Manna.
Apparently there are around 7,500 varieties! They come in all shapes and sizes and colours. They are definitely a healthy eating option as they are free from fat and sodium and contain various nutrients. This is probably why we have the saying, ‘An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away’!
You will need an apple for this time of stillness. So if you do not have one, maybe you could purchase a small one, on your way to your quiet space.
Take a moment or two to let go of the busy things on your mind and then look carefully at your apple…………………………………….
Notice its size, shape, colour, smell – if any,…………………….
Are there any blemishes on the skin, or any bruising, is there a leaf attached to the stalk?…………………..
Feel the skin………..is it smooth or rough to the touch?…………………..
Feel the weight of it in your hand…………………..
So often we are in a hurry when we take a lunch break, we eat our food quickly and then move on to the next item/event on our schedule. But today is an opportunity to sit quietly and to eat the apple slowly, in a more mindful and attentive way.
When you are ready, take a bite of the apple, and chew it slowly…………
Feel the texture as your teeth bite into it…………………….
Be aware of the chewing process and how the tongue and the teeth work together…………………………..
Savour the flavour!………………..
Be aware of the swallowing process…….what does the tongue do to prepare for swallowing?………………………..
What does the tongue do after you have swallowed the mouthful of apple?………..
Take another bite and chew it slowly, being attentive once more to the process………………………
If other thoughts come to mind, gently let them go and attend to the process of eating the apple………………….
When you have finished eating the apple, take a moment or two to register the aftermath of this eating…………………………..
Is there an aftertaste?………………………………
How did paying attention moment by moment to eating the apple, transform or enhance the process?
You may like to record your response to this exercise in your journal
Enjoy your weekend away!
with love
