It was a relatively cool day here in Southern California. Not the blistering cold of the mid-west, but cold enough that I wanted some “comfort food.” When I considered what I wanted to eat for dinner, an image of a sweet potato popped into my head. I have been mindfully eating long enough by now to know that my Inner Wisdom was speaking to me. I went to my cupboard and saw that I had two sweet potatoes left. Perfect! I grabbed the potatoes and then considered what else I might want along with the potatoes to complete my meal. Just then, the image of the sweet potato popped into my head again. Could it be that all my body wanted was the sweet potatoes? Historically, meaning before mindful eating, I would naturally have prepared what would be considered a “balance meal” – a sweet potato, some green vegetables and a piece of chicken or fish. But not today. Today my Inner Wisdom was guiding me just to the sweet potatoes. So, I obeyed. I took the potatoes to the sink and gently scrubbed them one at a time feeling the brush in my hand and the water trickle down my fingers. Then I wrapped each potato in some foil and admired the shiny objects I had created. I turned my oven on to 450 degrees, placed the potatoes on the rack and walked away. I busied myself with other tasks until the smell of cooking sweet potatoes caught my attention. Suddenly I felt warm and cozy. I went to my kitchen to retrieve my dinner. I placed the still wrapped potatoes on a plate and took it to my place setting. I sat down. Carefully, I unwrapped each sweet delicacy and admired my handiwork. Slowly, I ate the potatoes, savoring each delicious bite. When I was done, I felt full, satisfied, and content. Who knew that eating only one food for a meal could work so well? That is the beauty of mindful eating. Adapted from Mindful Bites – Joyful Life: 365 Days of Mindful Eating. Available in bookstores everywhere.
Sweet Sweet Potato
