Day 0: Water

I have more things to say about gratitude, our emotional connection to food, etc. but I want to jump in with the daily practice idea before I forget the real point of this blog.

The theme of day 0 is "Water". I say "day 0" because I wouldn't actually advocate skipping food for a day before starting on a day of just rice. It probably wouldn't cause extreme harm, but it seems better to avoid things that aren't particularly healthy. But regardless of whether water gets its own day, it's a good theme to start with because it is so essential.

The first step is to get some water. Maybe you have it in a bottle, or filtered, or just out of the tap. Is it cold? Consider for a few moments how lucky you are to have been able to so easily attain this, and the fact that it is clean and ready for your consumption.

Feel the glass or cup that holds it, and think deeply about how vital this substance is for your survival. Though it is plain and tasteless, your body is sustained by it.

Imagine as you drink it how your body will use this water. Since your body is 75% water, it literally becomes a part of you and gives you form.

Think about how this water got here, and where its been. Water connects us to all other living beings on this earth. This particular glass of water contains molecules that have been part of many other life forms before you, and will continue to be part of life after you.

If you still have more in your glass, go ahead and finish what you have. Focus on enjoying this simple, refreshing drink.