While it's not new, more civilised people have probably been doing it forever I'm sure, I've cultivated a new habit or ritual over COVID. It's called the 'Slow Breakfast' and it's become one of my favourite go to stress relievers.
Like most rituals it's quite specific to me, so yours may look different but the core intention will still be the same - start as you wish to proceed - calmly. This is what it looks like.
First put in the preparation - this means letting my partner know I'm having a slow breakfast, which is a pre-agreed code for 'I'm going to be a while so please don't rush me, and I'd like to be by myself and quiet.'
Next grab your iPhone, headphones and your choice of zone out material - for me it's often sudoku or just a note book to doodle on.
Then make the breakfast of your choosing, doesn't have to be flash, could just be a coffee, but get it all made at once so you can sit and relax while you eat it.
And then the slow breakfast begins. I've usually saved a podcast during the week to listen to or I'll throw on an audiobook. If I'm lucky the kitchen table is bathed in sun so I sit, eating, drinking and listening. When the eating is done, I'll switch to my zone out option while listening. And this goes on until the episode is finished or I feel like I'm ready to start the day.
It's simple but the point is to create the physical and mental space to sit within, without all the usual rushing, stressing and overthinking. Even if it's just 20mins, once a week.
Some people meditate - the slow breakfast is my thing. Feel free to make it yours too.
Enjoy.
Emma
Podcast Recommendations to get you started
Recipe Recommendation
Peanut Butter on Toast
You will need:
Two Slices of bread
A jar of peanut butter
Method:
- Place the slices of bread in a toaster
- Wait a minute or two. Remove the toasted bread from the toaster and transfer to a plate.
- With a knife, spread the peanut butter generously onto one side of the toast. Spread the peanut butter with the knife always travelling in the same direction over the toast. I don't know why. It just feels better this way.
- Don't rush it. Set the mood of appreciation by moving the knife at a steady, Tai Chi kind of pace. This moment should have the integrity of a religious ritual.
- Take the plate of toast to your favourite seat. Sit. Compose yourself. Be fully aware of how wondrous it is to be sentient. To be aware you are not only alive as a human being, but as a human being about to eat some peanut butter on toast.
- Close your eyes as you take the first bite. Let your worried float by, untethered from their hooks, as you appreciate this living moment of taste and pleasure.
- If you really don't like peanut butter, this ritual of gratitude and attentiveness has also been proven to work with marmalade.
