The instruction for the first bite is to think of a teacher, one or many, who affected you positively. Offer this first bite to them. Take a breath and notice what bringing your teacher into your mind's eye reveals. What do you feel? What gifts did they bestow upon you? By doing this you are conjuring their wisdom and openheartedness they offered you, and their awakened mind. This in turn helps you resonate with who they are. Then, the possibility of veneration and respect for them is awakened in you.

The second bite is offered to someone who was kind to you. Whether it was just one person or a group of people, bring into your awareness the kindness you received from them. Take a moment to remember what that feels like. By doing this you are awakening appreciation, tenderness and gratitude. How often do kind simple acts go unnoticed because we can not find a way to slow down and take them in? Here is your opportunity.

The third bite is offered out to anyone and everyone who is starving, suffering, or in trouble in some way. Take a breath and pause. By opening to someone's suffering you tap into your inherent reservoir of compassion and empathy. This can open your heart and mind out from the confines of the mundane. This kind of mindfulness sends ripples out beyond your microcosm and into the greater community. A much needed practice.

By doing the Three Bite Practice, you are taking the everyday ritual of eating, and in just a few short minutes moving slower and connecting into an expanded awareness. By slowing down and adding this kind of mindfulness and contemplation to the first three bites of your meal, a meaningful transformation for you is possible. Have your partner try it with you and include kids in this practice as well. Dig in, slow down and see what happens.