Why Say Grace Before Eating?

As we are in the midst of lent, I find myself challenged by fasting or eating simple meals. The main purpose of eating should be for nourishment to give us the essential nutrients that our body needs with the addition of providing us with energy. Where does energy come from? Photosynthesis involves sunlight to produce energy in the form of plant food. We then consume these plants or animals that have fed on plants.

However, when you think about it everything is energy. All matter in this world like the air we breathe, the seat you’re sitting in or the food we eat, are made up of atoms. These atoms are composed of electrons, protons and neutrons which are tiny particles of energy. Even thoughts from our mind can affect the energy around us. There is energy in our thoughts and how we feel. For example, think about being under stress.

I recall one time having breakfast while being so nervous before appearing on stage in front of many people. My perception of just thinking about being in front of a crowd was frightening to me, I had butterflies in my stomach. It was not only until my onstage event was over that I could finally calm down because I changed my thoughts to being relieved that it was over. Once this occurred I ended up vomiting my breakfast.

All my nervous energy resulted in having a flight or fight response where the body utilizes all its resources for immediate survival because the mind perceives to be in a stressful situation. It is so important to be in a relaxed, rest and digest state in order to obtain proper digestion.

Still not convinced about how our thoughts affect the energy around us? The placebo effect is influenced by not only the thoughts or beliefs of the person who is taking the placebo, but also the person(s) involved in administering the placebo. These thoughts can be so powerful that even a sugar pill can make a dramatic difference in one’s health. 

Masaru Emoto was a Japanese scientist whose life’s work was dedicated to studying ice crystals under the microscope.  He found that when expressing positive thoughts upon water like gratitude and joy, then freezing and photographing the ice crystals, the most beautiful pictures were taken. Symmetrical and intricate snowflake patterns appeared. However, when water has been exposed to negative thoughts like anger and hatred, the opposite occurs. Irregular and dim coloured shapes were formed in the ice crystals.1 He has written a number of books explaining his research that I highly recommend. 

I don’t know about you, but I would rather consume beautiful symmetrical snowflake crystals than ugly misshaped ones. Our food is composed of a percentage of water, so it is possible how what we are thinking and feeling before and during a meal can affect the quality of the food we eat. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you believe in a higher power or not. Saying a prayer before a meal, blessing the food or just the act of having appreciation may make a difference in the energy and nutrients it will provide you. 

Since the majority of our body is composed of water, a person’s overall thoughts and feelings can be affecting their own body’s vitality. So remember to always give thanks. Being grateful will allow more things to come into your life to feel thankful for. Whenever I see a complex and pretty snowflake that has fallen from the sky, it reminds me of how beautiful God’s creations can be. It also makes me wonder if the snowflakes have been affected by heaven where God and his angels radiate their pure positive energy.

1Emoto, Masaru (2004). The Hidden Messages in Water

Diana Angeles // Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant