The Frying Pan of Fear, Part 4: The End.

 Martha further turns the heat down under the frying pan of fear with another zen-cuisine practice. She mindfully notices when she is in the kitchen and unhealthy feelings of anxiety or fearful thoughts are not present.  She uses the simple tool of mindful observation.  Although seemingly counter-intuitive, zen-cuisine encourages Martha to take note of what is not happening as she makes her family breakfast with efficiency, ease and pleasure:  “Now, in this present moment, the mind that wants to feel fear and to feel anxious is not present.”  Martha rests in the peacefulness of this realization which fills her with positive energy. 

As Martha becomes aware of abiding in this calm and ease, she intuitively knows it is a healthy way of being. Her zen-cuisine practice encourages a greater awareness of the physical feelings that accompany this experience of well-being.  Martha continues to practice observing the energy she generates when she is not anxious, becoming more familiar with these sensations of wholeness. Martha notices the subtle relaxation in her body, observes the positive thoughts in her mind, and appreciates the constructive emotions that arise from this thinking.  Martha is also mindful of her life-sustaining breath, and the feeling of being grounded in her true self.

With this practice, Martha is establishing being embodied in the kitchen in a wholesome way. She can recall this ease in her body and mind when she thinks about making the holiday meal.  Through this simple practice of noticing when discomfort is not present, Martha is developing an ever-increasing awareness of being at ease. Inevitably, this newly-emerging sense of ease gives rise to feelings of contentment, and well-being. 

 Martha says she feels more at peace within herself even when thinking about the upcoming holiday. She truly appreciates the opportunity to manifest joy and ease.  Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh describes such an experience as the “basis of true happiness, because in true happiness there must be an element of peace, joy and ease.” As Martha observes these feelings of peace, joy, and ease, she takes time to savor them.  

With mindfulness practice, Martha not only is aware of these feelings of ease but also experiences them more often. Gradually the field of positive energy Martha generates when creating an ordinary family meal expands. Martha transfers it into other situations.  “It’s an amazingly exponential practice,” she says happily. “It takes effort, and firm intention, but I’m learning so much about myself, and have taken the frying pan of fear off the burner!” Mindful observation of when anxiety is not present has helped Martha embrace life as it is unfolding. She is transforming her task of cooking for the family celebration into a joyful, love-centered experience.  Practicing zen-cuisine, Martha is confident about the coming holiday meal.  Happy cooking!