Simone Weil, French philosopher, mystic and political activist, said “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” What if we teachers were to give attention to what and how we eat during lunch breaks? When I was teaching high school, I often spent my lunch break at my desk grading papers as I shoveled food into my mouth, or I would sometimes join my colleagues as they ate and chatted. I don’t recall ever thinking about how I felt as I ate the food or chatted. How unfortunate, because lunchtime is an opportune time to restore the body, mind and soul after giving of yourself—imparting your knowledge and wisdom, teaching your least favorite class of the day or having an evaluation that morning by your administrator.
Guideline #1 Chew Slowly
Digestion begins in the mouth. The enzyme amylase begins to break down carbohydrates when we begin to eat. This information may seem insignificant to some, but it’s crucial to the body and mind. To truly taste the food requires attention. I think it is wonderful to share the table with colleagues, but this should be done occasionally. Because digestion begins in the mouth, we need to focus and chew our foods slowly. It’s somewhat difficult to do this while talking or grading papers. My professor Mary Fry shared an example of eating a saltine cracker. When it’s left in the mouth for a minute or two, it becomes sweeter because of the enzyme amylase. Rushing through lunch can lead to an unhealthy state physically and emotionally and thus also creating a frenzied life
To experience the sweetness in life, how can you slow down the process?
Guideline #2 Rest and Digest
For food to be digested correctly, you will need to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system—the system that controls automatic functions such as breathing and digestion. Working in a stressful environment does not aid digestion; in fact, it can hamper it. However, you can do your best to cultivate a healthy environment as much as possible. Sitting quietly or listening to soothing music as you eat can help in relaxing the body for proper digestion.
Where else can you find moments in life to relax?
Guideline #3 Eat and Enjoy
As an educator, you are constantly sacrificing yourself. So, your lunch break is a time to do something just for you: to nourish your body with the right foods. Spoil yourself with vegetables and fruits. These carbohydrates are rich in fiber: apple, carrots, leafy greens, nuts, for instance. They also supply energy, which is just what you need to finish the day strong. Eat your vegetables and fruits with awareness. That is, be mindful that you are nourishing and replenishing your body and mind. You need these types of carbohydrates that are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. When these whole foods enter the body, they have a powerful synergistic effect.
In what other way can you enrich your life?
Guideline #4 Eat Mindfully
How can we leave out mindfulness? You are not only nourishing the body, but by paying attention to yourself, you are also nurturing your soul. Awareness is to be present—to be present in a nonjudgmental way as you see, smell, taste, touch and hear. Ask yourself: How does my food taste? How do I feel as I ingest it? How do I feel two hours later?
How can you tune into your body and into your soul?
Guideline #5 Pause and Enjoy Life
Don’t wait for summer breaks to enjoy life. Take time to enjoy life right where you are now. Utilize your lunch break to nourish your body, mind and soul. As you pour into the precious lives of human beings, you must recognize that you determine the value of that soul by the value you place on yourself.
What other breaks or pauses in life can you find to value yourself?
I learned as an Integrative Health Coach and even now as a graduate student. That if I am going to offer my best self to the world, then I will have to give myself some attention, and the lunch break is a good opportunity to do just that. At lunch I can take the time to savor the food; enjoy my food in an environment of peace and quietness; reflect on how I am enriching my body by giving it the right foods; and be fully present in the moment.
