A few recommendations on shopping: Where? At the smallest, cleanest market you know, or the best managed large market. When? At off-peak hours if possible. How often? As infrequently as possible. (Try to shop for at least two weeks.) What should I buy? Enough to feel satisfied so that you will not end up going more often. For the elderly, consider delivery or asking a relative or neighbor to shop for you. For everyone, the choice of delivery or going to the store yourself is personal. You may be healthier or have cleaner hands than the delivery person, while the physical closeness to others at the store may put you at risk that delivery does not. Check in with neighbors and social media to discuss how the various stores are handling it and if you go, go to the one that is best-managed as far as cleanliness and lines. Note: The social act of shopping makes us feel good, but the grocery store is not the place right now to get that social satisfaction. Call friends, stay connected with neighbors, but try to stay away from the store as much as you can. This is a challenging time, a scary time for many, but also a special time, full of opportunity. You may never have felt more appreciative or aware of your food. So take your time with this process. It is rich with meaning. Savor it. Planning Mindfully This is not a grab your purse and jump in the car era. Sit down at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, with your loved ones if you are living together, and take your time going through these steps.
Going Shopping
b. Secure hair, glasses, clothing so that you will not be tempted to touch them while in the store. c. Take a deep breath and repeat your short prayer, “May I be safe. May I be happy. May I feel nourished.” At the Store
Leaving
Unpacking Go slowly. There is no rush. This is the real opportunity to practice gratitude and mindfulness. Hold each item in your hand. Feel the weight of it. One thing I noticed from doing this was that I wasn't getting as much food as I thought, and certain items seemed not at all a good value for the money. I'll keep that in mind next time I shop. There are many video tutorials on disinfecting, and common sense always helps. Here is my method.
Finishing up
The difference in effort may seem substantial, but in reality we are talking about taking an extra hour or two every two weeks to really take care, and be aware of what we are doing. After we have performed this simple task of securing our food, we can sit down with another cup of tea, or a precious treat from our wonderful haul, and say together, “May we all be safe, May we all be happy, May we all feel nourished.” |
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