Eating Alone
Eating alone has been a process.
As a teacher, I ate alone in the classroom unless students or another teacher joined me. As a single woman in Hawaii, I ate many of my meals with two cats and away from other humans. In Tanzania, I ate many of my meals alone even if other people were present. Nowadays, I eat most of my morning food inside a house and most of my other food alone, sitting on the ground in nature.
In the morning, I often eat standing at a kitchen counter. Periodically I’ll sit outside in a chair and listen to and watch nature while eating. In the afternoon and evening, I usually eat outside in nature sitting on the ground. I lay out a sarong or older yoga mat to sit on. Places I might be are the beach, near the ocean, outside the library, or a park. Sometimes I stay in the car and eat sitting in the driver’s seat or in the back of the car.
Before I begin eating, I am intentional to clear my area of unnecessary stuff. I usually put work things away and focus on the act of eating and the environment around me. I use my fingers or a Thai spoon to eat with, so I make sure I have a cloth and water to clean my face and hands when I’m finished. Even if I do not say words aloud, I give thanks for the food, the nourishment, and for taking the time to eat the meal.
I eat alone because when the body is ready to be nourished, I stop what I am doing and feed myself. For me, this can be quiet, intentional time to reflect and be grateful.
When I eat my own food around people, I am happy to share my food and be in the presence of others. When food is being provided by other people at a gathering, I serve myself what is nourishing and then either find people to eat with or sit on my own nearby.
Enjoying my own company is important to me, and I am grateful to find value in eating alone.
You are welcome to join me when I am eating.
Welcome to the meal.
Stacy 🌺
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I share my experiences and my perspective. Eating and healing look different for everyone. If you are struggling with food or your relationship with your body, please find support. You don’t have to do this alone.