Can you recall what you had for dinner a few days ago? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no, unless it was a special occasion. This common response highlights a disconnection from nature and a missed opportunity for spiritual practice.

Food is essential for our survival. Proteins from animal sources provide the building blocks for body tissues such as muscles, hair, collagen, enzymes, and antibodies. Carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables are converted to glycogen, providing energy, while fats and oils from both animal and vegetable sources support structural and metabolic functions and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Despite the vital nourishment food provides, it is often consumed without much thought. We eat quickly, taking our meals for granted. Imagine the spirit of the animal or vegetable watching as it is taken, ground down into small pieces, swallowed into a vat of acid, dissolved into its tiniest parts, and transformed into nourishment for another being, only to be forgotten immediately after consumption.

Food carries life force energy, which can be measured before consumption. This energy can be significantly enhanced when food is respected. Blessing a plate of food in gratitude for the nourishment it provides is a simple spiritual practice. It not only increases the life force energy but also shows respect and appreciation for the sacrifice made by the animal or vegetable, fostering a deeper connection to nature and a higher vibration of being.

Blessing food has been practiced for thousands of years. Saying grace predates Christianity, with prayers over meals dating back to ancient Jewish traditions. Various cultures and religions have their own versions of blessing food. Jews have specific blessings for different types of food, with detailed prayers for before and after meals. Christians consider saying grace a foundational event, rooted in Jesus’ blessing bread and wine at the Last Supper. Some Buddhist monks bless restaurants and food establishments as part of their centuries-old traditions. Even Native Americans had practices of blessing food and offerings before and after hunts.

If you believe that everything is connected and that we are all one, then why not express more gratitude for the food we eat? At each meal, before taking a bite, consider this gentle practice: Hover your hands, palms down, over the plate, say words of gratitude and appreciation, and perhaps even request permission to eat. Wait until you feel the food has acknowledged and granted your request, which may come as a tingling sensation or a gentle wave of energy. Once you feel this shift in vibration, go ahead and eat, knowing you have blessed both yourself and the food.

I have practiced this spiritual ritual for many years, but recently I realized I had been going through the motions, especially when particularly hungry. This realization prompted me to ask myself ‘why am I doing this if I’m not truly doing it?’. Now I sit with each item on my plate for a brief moment while saying my blessing. I imagine the animal, vegetable, or mineral before it was harvested, cooked, and presented, thus thoroughly acknowledging its gift.

This enhanced practice has been extremely rewarding. Not only do I feel more positive energy emanating from the plate, but I also recognize the improved nutritional value. And if I ever receive a distinct ‘no’ from the food, I choose not to eat it, believing this has prevented many a gastrointestinal complaint!

In our contemporary world, while some still practice blessing food as a religious ritual and a way to acknowledge the effort involved in bringing food to the table, many do not. I hope that after reading this article, you will consider adopting this simple spiritual practice. Even a simple thank you is better than nothing. And perhaps, if asked again, ‘Can you recall what you had for dinner a few days ago?’ you will be able to answer, ‘Yes!’

Here is my prayer, which you are welcome to adopt:

Divine Spirit, Source of Souls,
I thank you for the food I am about to eat.
I thank the spirit of the animals, the vegetables, the minerals, the microorganisms, the sunlight, and the water for their sacrifice in providing me this nutrition.
And I respectfully request that you join with me now,
So that we may become one and make the world a better place.
Aho, great spirit.