Hungry

Halfway through my humble bowl of dinner, I realize I am lost in thoughts about something two months away, and barely conscious of the fact that I am shoveling in the next bite before I've finished chewing the last one. I'm enjoying the flavors, and yet not really taking them in - instead, unconsciously hungering for another"hit" in the next bite.

The metaphor of my life reflected in the moment washes over me. Why so "hungry?" What am I seeking in my frantic rush to read another book, learn another skill, do another "good" thing? When will my heart get what my head now knows - that it's all within me? ... that I already have everything I need?

I pause, put my fork down, and slow my chewing. The flavors are richer as I hold the food in my mouth and actually chew it until it's liquid consistency. I breathe deeper and slower, calling myself back from my busy mind's distractions several more times before I've savored the last bite. I can feel the tension washing away, and my stomach thanks me for the gentler approach with contented gurgles.

It's a life-long practice, I remind myself--this slowing down. A bit of upside-down living I'm committed to in the midst of the mad rush of modern life. Grateful for the holographic connectedness of life, I trust that even these 10 minutes of choosing to be awake to my food will create more presence and satisfaction in my non-food moments.

upside-down living

People have been asking: What exactly is "upside-down living?" My response is usually: What does it mean to you? What images or actions or ideas does it bring to mind? It will mean different things to different people, so there's no particular definition to it. Really--I encourage you to take a moment to reflect, before reading on: How would my life be different if I lived it upside-down? What's one way that I do--or could--live upside-down? Notice the first thing that pops into your mind, even if it seems bizarre.

I've had various ideas about what it means to me, or what it might mean for others, for society. This is the first time I'm putting any of it into formal writing, so let's see what comes to the surface in the next 10 minutes! Living upside-down could be about . . . not joining facebook just because everyone else is doing it . . . picking up trash and recycling even when the neighbors look at you funny . . . living according to my own feelings, opinions and desires, rather than everyone else's . . . crying in front of others--without shame . . . actually listening to my body and what it wants/needs, rather than all the "experts," . . . taking a real lunch break . . . taking the bus . . . facing my fears . . . s-l-o-w-i-n-g d-o-w-n . . . dancing through the daffodils like no one is watching . . . not wearing a bra just because I'm "supposed to" . . . smiling at a stranger--just because . . . paying a bit more for local organic food . . .

The possibilities are endless. See how many you can come up with in 1 minute. I'd love to see your list!