Muffling Snow - Silence is Golden

I have a new “silence” program. When I eat alone, I sit down with the food, only. I don’t bring a book, Kindle, newspaper or magazine. I don’t bring reading material to the table. I don’t have the game on the screen. I just sit in silence and eat.  

I eat slowly, chewing each bite carefully. I think (meditate) about all the people who had a hand in bringing the food to my plate. Golly, I’m grateful to so many people. I think about the rain that had to fall to raise up the wheat for the bread in my sandwich. I think of the lumber jack who had to cut down the tree that led to the pulp and then to the napkin I use to wipe my chin. I think on the lumber jack’s grand parents. I just sink into consideration of interdependence, interbeing, and the need for world-wide compassion.

Well, I had this program for awhile. When I eat alone at table, I’m bored with myself. I need constant stimulation and escape. I can justify reading with my soup when the reading’s “good literature,” a “great book,” an “important essay.” That’s the way my silent meal program eroded. Once the dam of distraction let go, it wasn’t along before I shoved aside the books and had the sport’s network on the television.

Now we’re talking happy lunch. But for the record, I support and will even donate to any organization that advocates silence.

Yes sir, constant stimulation and escape.  Busy mind, busy, busy. Silence is sort of intimidating. When all the racket and distraction is removed, then what? Do I have to confront what really makes me tick? That’s tricky.