Happy New Year 2012!

 The imminent ending of the old year, and the swift arrival of New Year 2012, reminds us how quickly time passes. As it is said, “Time is fleeting, and so precious. Do not squander your life.” Zen urges us to ‘wake up’ to the wonder of living, grounding ourselves in the present moment. Before practicing zen-cuisine, we often rushed through our kitchen duties-- hurrying to do something else we thought more important. Our time in the kitchen was undervalued, and not very enjoyable. Why would we want to experience any unpleasantness in the kitchen? Preparing food offers such possibilities for creativity and happiness in the simple joy of being fully present to life.

As we practice zen-cuisine, we realize the only time the idea ‘preparing food is unpleasant’ occurs is when we’re not cooking. Once in the kitchen, hands washed, sleeves rolled up and ready to begin, we discover making a meal is an agreeable activity. Our zen-cuisine practice opens us to appreciating the unique culinary and nutritional qualities our food. Choosing a recipe which creatively highlights the taste and texture of each ingredient becomes an interesting challenge. Embracing mindfulness, we are fully aware of the interconnection of the recipe, the ingredients, and the actions of our hands.

With each vegetable we chop, each piece of fruit we slice, each spice we grind, we open more fully to time spent in the kitchen. It is enjoyable to move skillfully through the necessary steps of meal preparation. Zen-cuisine is both a means and an end. Not only do we prepare a good meal to nourish ourselves and others, but also we prepare wonderful food just for the pleasure of making it. Each moment, each activity is a gift, -- an opportunity to touch the true nature of reality and respond with joy.

As we practice zen-cuisine, we take the time to savour what’s happening in the present. Each thought and action manifests as awareness-- life unfolding in, through and around us. We come to see we are none other than this awareness; we realize that preparing food for those we love is both an act of loving-kindness, and a radical acceptance of life in all its fullness. Zen-cuisine truly opens us to the wonder of living. May your New Year be joyful, and filled with love. Happy cooking!

For zen-cuisine recipes, visit http://juicyfoods.blogspot.com/