The 5 Contemplations

Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and nutritionist Dr. Lilian Cheung reveal five contemplations that can start you on the path to a healthier relationship with food from their book, Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life.

By Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr. Lilian Cheung

Photo: Nan Sao

Want to lose weight? World-renowned Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and nutritionist Dr. Lilian Cheung say it's not just what you eat that matters, it's where you eat, when you eat, who you eat with and how you eat that can make all the difference. Get their five contemplations that can start you on the path to a healthier relationship with food.

Contemplation 1

This food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky, numerous living beings, and much hard, loving work.

Contemplation 2

May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive it.

Contemplation 3

May we recognize and transform our unwholesome mental formations, especially our greed, and learn to eat with moderation.

Contemplation 4

May we keep our compassion alive by eating in such a way that we reduce the suffering of living beings, preserve our planet, and reverse the process of global warming.

Contemplation 5

We accept this food so that we may nurture our sisterhood and brotherhood, strengthen our community and nourish our ideal of serving all living beings.

More Words of Wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh:
How to change your eating habits forever
Are you really savoring your apple? Try this meditation
Thich Nhat Hanh shares the secret to happiness with Oprah
12 of his most inspiring quotes

Reprinted with permission from SAVOR: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life © 2010 by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung, published by HarperOne.

Published 03/09/2010