Cooking Up A Storm Of Meditation

Last night I was at home in the kitchen preparing a big dinner of crab and coconut dip with fresh tortilla chips, grilled sea bass with miso-mustard sauce, risotto with pancetta and green onions, and a fresh fruit with a ying-yang chocolate fondue dessert when I realized something. Cooking for me is a cathartic experience, a kind of “mindfulness meditation” with a twist. While chopping and stirring and tasting my mind wanders through situations in my life, turns them over and discovers new ways to solve old problems.  I am an innocent bystander to this process; it is almost as if I am having an out of body experience!  I purposely don’t get involved.  I don’t allow myself to question my thoughts or react emotionally.  I often leave the kitchen feeling more centered and with clarity I haven’t been able to gain while consciously working through a problem. 

I didn’t realize that this is a common experience.  Many people experience the sensation of wandering thoughts that they notice but don’t react to while engaging in a favorite hobby. 

Have you experienced a similar situation? Are there any daily activities you enjoy that take you to a higher plane of existence while participating in them? Some people get lost in thought while taking a long drive in the country. Others might escape during a warm bubble bath, or even yoga, exercise, or some other physical activities. You may not even realize you are doing it, if it becomes so routine or common place that it just happens without you noticing. However I bet if you think about it enough, you will find at least one example you can share with us!

As for me, I can't wait to head back to the kitchen tonight… I think all this writing has inspired me to whip up another big, yummy meal for my family, and enjoy some more quality meditation time for me!  And if you are wondering where I get the inspiration for the delicious dishes I prepare, I have to recommend my absolute favorite website... Epicurious.com!