Zen, Nutrition & Cooking

How can we protect our joie de vivre using nutrition? It’s important to consume food that provides our cells with as many enzymes, chlorophyll, and antioxidants as possible. I call these three nutrients “nature’s triangle.” We are constantly surrounded by these nutrients, and all we need to do is to open our awareness to them, like we do when we practice Zen. Opening our awareness is to take responsibility for our physical and mental health. When the body is balanced, the mind can develop and practicing will be more profound.

Guidelines for Awareness in the Kitchen

• In the kitchen, as in life, do not say, “I’m not skilled enough to be in the kitchen” or “I won’t

succeed.”

• Te negative has no place in a healthy kitchen and

healthy life.

• I will do the best I can for myself and for my surroundings.

• I will enjoy this exact moment, because it won’t

return.

• I will be present in the moment in every aspect of

my life, including in my thoughts on what I will

prepare to eat, how I will prepare it so that it will

suit this moment with regard to the season and

time of day.

• I will approach the recipe and the ingredients

with a smile and with a great deal of love, so that

the positive energy infuses the food and afects

how it tastes.

• While preparing the food I will be fully present

in the moment and not conduct any unnecessary

conversations. I won’t let thoughts take over the

creation of the moment.

• I will be focused on the goal and enjoy each stage,

simply being present in the moment.

• I will pay attention when using a knife or any

other kitchen utensil so that I don’t injure myself

or others

Taken from my article in the Summer edition of Primary Point magazine from the Kwan Um School of Zen. To read the full article click here