Blessings

I was passing someone who was eating at a little cafe table in the train station. I have no idea who she was or how she felt at the moment. But I figured it wouldn't hurt to say a little blessing for her (to myself): "I hope you thoroughly enjoy what you're eating. That it satisfies you completely and that it contributes to your well-being." Said without judgment, or any further thought. That kind of random well-wishing doesn't have to be about food, but since that's the theme of this blog that's what I'm going with.

What does it accomplish? I don't know if it would really have an impact on the individual. I like to think it does, but I don't bank in it. It has more to do with my mental state. It helps to remind me of the positive emotions about food, without having to be in the midst of eating.

Imagination is extremely powerful. I don't have to really "buy in" to let myself enjoy the benefits of a belief. Kind-of like how you suspend disbelief when you're watching a play, except that the play you're watching is "life". I have no problem revelling in delusion, even though at some level I know nothing's really happening (ie the woman won't enjoy her food more as a result of my thoughts) But the practice still has meaning, at least as much as many other things I do or think. As my attitude becomes a habit, it will impact my tone and body language in ways that eventually will have an effect on others I deal with more directly.

Hm. This post veered very much toward the philosophical. Well, OK. That's just me. I can't help it!