Eating Mindfully: A Beginner’s Guide by Lane Taplin

Every time we eat we have an opportunity to experience a deeper connection with ourselves and with the world around us. Through mindful awareness we can begin to develop this connection and experience a positive, nourishing relationship to food. My exploration of mindful eating began when I attended a Mindful Eating retreat at The Great Vow Zen Monastery in Clatskanie, Oregon. Participants explored mindful eating through Orioki (a meditative eating practice), meditation, exploratory exercises, group discussions, and lectures. Since attending the retreat I’ve begun to form an awareness of my eating habits by simply observing them with curiosity. Being present to my experience of eating can be challenging and uncomfortable but it is also incredibly empowering and nourishing for my body, mind, and spirit. I hope that this zine will inspire in others a playful curiosity with which to approach mindful eating as well as encouragement along the way.