Before The Meal - A Centering Meditation

Welcome to The Still Point.

This is a centering meditation for you to use before a meal for moments of anxiety,

Fear food,

Or just mealtime overwhelm.

Take a moment to pause before your meal.

You've already done something brave by showing up here.

Find a comfortable seat at your table or wherever you're about to eat.

Let your feet rest on the floor.

Let your hands relax.

Maybe resting gently on your lap or the table.

Close your eyes if that feels safe or simply soften your gaze.

Let's begin with a slow,

Deep breath in through your nose.

And a steady exhale out through your mouth.

Again,

Breathe in calm.

And breathe out tension.

Inhale strength.

Now,

Bring your attention to the present moment.

You're here,

Safe,

Supported.

There's no rush.

Notice the food in front of you or picture it in your mind if you haven't plated it yet.

The food is not the enemy.

It is not a test.

It is care.

It is fuel.

If anxious thoughts are swirling,

Let them be background noise for now.

You don't have to solve anything before you eat.

You just have to take the next step.

Let's set an intention together.

Silently or aloud,

Repeat after me.

This food is here to support me.

I am allowed to nourish myself.

I am choosing care,

Not control.

Now,

Feel your feet grounded beneath you.

Feel your breath moving through you.

You are in your body,

And your body deserves this nourishment.

Let's take one final deep breath together.

Inhale through your nose.

And exhale,

Releasing whatever you don't need.

You don't need to carry into this meal.

When you're ready,

Gently open your eyes.

Bring your focus to your food.

You've got this.

One bite at a time.