Yesterday, after a somewhat 'failed' family day out (beware the hype in magazine advertisements!) we decided to visit Pizza Hut.
So what, I hear you thinking, does this have to do with mindfulness?
Well, using the many observations available as encouraged by Jon Kabat Zinn, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to practice.
As usual, long queue to wait to be seated for a table - breathing, just watching the breath. Distracted by the small children waiting in line with their parents, come back to the breath. Child announces that her flip-flop is now broken (after some rough play with her younger brother) - ah, distracted again...breathe in this moment. Being aware of the movement of breath, this moment, this moment - table is now ready for us.
Sitting, being very aware of how I am placing my body - my spine being well supported by the seat, connecting to the sensations of my body and my breath - menus, drinks order. Back to the breath.
Noise - have you ever really noticed just how loud these restaurants are? Screaming baby - I'm aware that the sound of this child has been my focal point for quite some time, how much longer before the parent turns their attention from their food to their child? Breathing, soft smile of the Buddha on my face.
Become aware of how many people have been smiling at me as they pass our table. Is it because I am smiling? Distracted again, this time an internal discourse over whether smiling encourages a more positive response from others!
My own children playing a game in the small activity book given to children in the vain hope that it will encourage them to be more settled whilst waiting for the food order. Find myself observing without getting caught up in their 'battle' over the game they are playing. Feeling very calm and somewhat peaceful. Is this possible in such a place? Oh, oh, distracted by thinking - back to the breath.
The salad bar then gets my full attention. I had already declined to 'fill' the tiny bowl given for the purpose, despite the assurance we could visit as many times as we wished! There are children at the salad bar filling bowls and then removing the contents with their hands and putting it back, ready for the next, unsuspecting customer to scoop into their own bowl. Just remember to focus on the breath and not get carried away mentally with where this thought is now taking me.
Clean up required at salad bar - the contents of the sweetcorn tray have managed to find its way onto the floor. At last, parents of stray children arrive to escort them back to their table. Definitely not going to partake in a public salad bar again.
Breathe in, breathe out - this breath, this breath, this breath - our food order arrives.
Taking the mindful approach to eating - remembering to place knife and fork down in between mouthfuls. Focusing on the texture and flavours of food in my mouth, whilst congratulating myself on choosing the healthy option from the menu rather than a large, overstuffed crust pizza! Back to the food - aware of the flavours, warmth and yes, joy of eating.
Suddenly aware that I have 'come back' and am amidst the noise and startling reality of the restaurant again. I may have been gone just for a few seconds, who knows? It was delightful all the same.
Irrespective of where you are, you can take meditation with you. It's something of a challenge, but it will really enhance your experience of the 'now'.
