Creating Mindful Memories around the Table
Krista is a healthy living expert, wellness coach, real food lover and creator at Real Food, Real Simple. She's on a mission to educate and inspire others to create happier, healthier lives. Her philosophy about healthy food is that it doesn't have to be difficult or boring. She helps people take the confusion out of food and offers simple solutions to eating well. Krista believes in creating healthy habits, not restrictions. Krista lives in Vancouver, Canada and enjoys an active lifestyle through hiking, biking and beach volleyball.
Life is busy. In fact, busy seems to be the new normal nowadays. And with everyone constantly on the go, we find ourselves lost in the digital world, with too little of the face to face connections that we all need and crave.
In the end, it’s in our nature to be social, and we truly are missing out by living behind our screens. The best, and easiest, way to get true face time with friends & loved ones is over some really good food. But how can you make sure you’re really present during your meal? Here’s three ways we can build better, & more meaningful, connections.
Be the person who invites someone to dinner.
This might sound like a given but I know a lot of people that say, "I can’t - my place is too small, too messy" or "I’m intimidated by trying to coordinate cooking a meal for a larger group". Here’s the thing, no one cares what your place looks like or expects the perfect dinner table. It’s how you make them feel that they’ll remember. Always. Sometimes the most memorable moments can be had sitting around a coffee table on the floor with paper plates.
If you’re overwhelmed at the idea of cooking for a group, break it down and ask for help from your guests. People want to participate and there’s just something about everyone taking part in a meal that you share together. So get your friends in the kitchen with you or make it potluck and have everyone bring something. You could go with a fun theme or even better a dish that has a special story behind it.
Put the phones away.
This is a big one. Being present is the best way to truly connect and enjoy each other. If you’re distracted by your phone, not only are you missing out on moments but you’re also missing the experience of enjoying the meal. A great way to do this is to have a box designated for phones to go into at the beginning of the night and they don’t come out until you’re ready to leave, except for emergencies of course.
Deepen connections by asking powerful questions.
It’s always the best when you can get to know people on a deeper level. We often stick to surface level questions about the weather or what we do for work. What if you could open up conversations to something more meaningful? Guiding the conversation through the night creates space for all kinds of possibility. The opportunities are endless but here’s a few to start with:
What are you most excited about right now?
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
What’s your most vivid childhood memory?
What’s one of your most embarrassing moments?
Gathering around the dinner table is a place to build community. It’s a place to share, to express our gratitude, and to create true connections. It’s a human experience we all share and an opportunity to get to know each other’s stories. Mindfulness at the dinner table will not only allow you to enjoy your food more, but your company as well. Now go make some memories!
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