To start the new year, I attended a deeply impactful retreat, and I’m excited to share the experience with you. For the past six years, it’s been my own little personal tradition to attend a retreat at the end of one year or the beginning of the next. I find it’s the perfect way to unplug, reflect on the past year and reset before stepping into the new one with fresh energy and a clean slate.
At this retreat (that was set in a beautiful valley in Catalonia in Spain) everyone had to be in silence from 9pm until 3pm the following day. This practice was designed to declutter the mind, allowing space for self-reflection. It meant eating breakfast and lunch in complete silence: no conversations, no background noise, just me, other retreaters and my meal. And WOW….what an experience!
I found myself eating more slowly than usual, fully immersed in the rich flavours and textures of each bite. The tastes felt more intense and I began to appreciate the journey of every ingredient…the care, effort and craftsmanship that brought it to my plate. It also made me realise how long it’s been since I’ve eaten a meal without distractions. Without a screen in front of me or a conversation pulling my attention away.
Why eat in silence or mindfully?
Eating in silence or in a mindful way isn’t just about slowing down, it has real benefits for your mind and body:
✅ Improves digestion – When we eat in a calm state, our parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" state) is activated, allowing our bodies to break down food more efficiently. In contrast, eating while stressed or distracted can keep us in fight-or-flight mode, making digestion less effective.
✅ Prevents overeating – When we eat too quickly or while distracted, we often don’t register when we’re full. Mindful eating helps us tune in to hunger and fullness cues, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
✅ Enhances appreciation of food – By focusing on flavours, textures and the journey of the food to our plate, we cultivate gratitude and awareness which makes meals more satisfying.
This experience has given me a whole new perspective on eating, and I’ve decided to make silent eating a regular practice. I’ll have a meal with no distractions, just quiet appreciation. It’s not just about mindfulness, it’s also a way to strengthen focus and willpower.
Want to give it a try?
Next time you sit down for a meal, take a few moments of silence. No phone, no TV, no talking—just you and your food. Notice the flavours, the textures, and how your body responds. You might be surprised at how much more fulfilling the whole experience becomes!
Let me know if you try it and how you got on. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Comentários