Relaxing the Mind

Now that our body is free of tension, we relax our mind. We want to be fully alive to the present moment in zen-cuisine.  

We let go of expectations which can unbalance the process of cooking. Expectations may spoil the spontaneity of the present moment. They layer it over with preconceived thoughts and opinions about how things are supposed to turn out.  If we want to relax into experience as it unfolds, we begin by accepting ourselves, just as we are. We may be calm, or agitated, happy or blue, but we are OK with that. We’re willing to enter fully into ‘whatever’.   

Begin to unclutter the mind by sensing the energy of thought.  Slowly and consciously relax into this energy, hold it within the rhythm of your breath. Now, with a gentle inhalation, breathe into the energy you are holding in your mind. On the exhalation, let go of any thoughts or concepts stuck there. Sense the breath awakening your awareness.  Open to the spacious energy available to the mind. Rest in this Consciousness.  Feel your thoughts coming from a more balanced place now that your mind is calm, and clear. Now you are ready to cook.

As we move mindfully into cooking, we keep our attention softly focused on this sense of relaxation in our bodies and minds. If we notice tension in our body, or find our minds distracted, we gently bring our awareness to our breath, releasing any sense of strain or stress. 

This relaxed attentiveness is called “effortless effort” and is a joy to experience. Like many zen-cuisine tools, this mindful relaxation becomes more pleasant and natural with practice.