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With only a little practice of meditation and its associated disciplines it becomes

evident that the food we eat affects our moods, mental clarity, and physical well-

being. Those who are intent on success in meditation quickly become aware that

certain foods or beverages such as coffee or alcohol will stimulate or dull the

mind and interfere with the ability to focus attention.
To begin to cultivate a yogic lifestyle diet start with incorporating more plant

sources of protein such as legumes or beans or tofu. Include plenty of fresh fruits,

vegetables and grains. Eat meals on a regular schedule and consume moderate

amounts. Some texts recommend thinking of your stomach as a vessel that

you fill with one half solid foods, one fourth liquid, and leave one fourth with

space for air for proper digestion. While it is not necessary to follow a measured

formula, the idea to take in both solid and liquid at meals and especially, to leave

ample room for digestive activity, is useful. Many people overeat, eat too much

food too quickly and are not aware of when they are full. Practitioners of yoga

are advised to stop short of being full. With yoga, awareness is always the key.

Being aware of what we eat, where it has come from, how we prepare it, how we

consume it and being grateful for its nourishing properties all contributes to a

healthier, more conscious life.

INSPIRATION fOR SPIRITuALLY CONSCIOuS LIvING

The food to eat should be pure, tasty, sweet, gentle and by which air does not spread
in the belly, and should be eaten in a peaceful state of mind. This is called mitahar.
[mita means enough to nourish and ahar means food]

—Sri Yukteswar

The mode of living which is founded upon a total harmlessness toward all creatures or
upon a minimum of harm, is the highest morality.

—Mahabharata

If we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their
entire bodies. Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds,
they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination directs. So too the
tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame
sets a huge forest ablaze.

—New Testament, James 3