Conscious Cooking

The early spring rain falls on the blossom-swollen branches of the flowering plum tree. For a moment, rain drops hang in the misty air, suspended from wet bark .  Beautiful, fragile and impermanent. As each drop gathers, lingers, and then falls, it reminds me of change, and letting go of what's gone before. 

Spring rain reminds me of the art of mindful conscious cooking. The practice of zen-cuisine is a sweet and tender way to let go of preconceived ideas or false perceptions about cooking and eating.  It’s letting go of thoughts and images, or emotions and feelings that keep the mind stuck.  Instead, zen-cuisine coaxes the mind into accepting reality as it is unfolding.  Zen-cuisine is all about moving into the flow of life.  It is a way to let your creativity in the kitchen expand and reveal itself as it really is – vast, and full of boundless love. 

In the kitchen, zen-cuisine’s mindful attention to the present moment creates a space that allows creativity to happen; it creates a place where the heart softens and can open.  Take a minute right now, and breathe gently, fully aware of the precious life unfolding in this present moment.  Feel the inner fabric of your consciousness lighten, and become freer.  Sense a touch of grace in this subtle shift in the place from which you experience the world.  Accept what happens next as you consciously open to life. Take it easy and relax. Enjoy yourself in the present moment.

Turn to the task of cooking with this playful attitude.  Know that the practice of zen-cuisine can’t be rushed, but once you start, you can trust the process will inevitably cook up a happy feast.