Kitchen karma: releasing criticism

Sink side santosa

Emotional breakthroughs can happen at any place; any time. We may retreat to pristine natural environments and spiritual centres to create the conditions for expanded awareness; yet it is in day to day living that the evidence of progress shows up.

I have been struggling for a while with a couple of kitchen appliances. My landlady recently replaced my electric hob, the new model is woefully slow; seventeen minutes to boil a pan of water! During cooking, the heat will shut down and restart. It has been truly challenging. Many hunger fuelled epidsodes of frustration ensued: typically I would berrate the hob, criticise my landlady and blame myself.

Until yesterday. A half cooked omelette lay limply in a pan, as the hob clicked and thrummed feebly. My chest tightened in upset... and then I exhaled:  I didn't go there.  I had the following thoughts: Ah well, this is taking a long time. Its not the cooker's fault, it is doing its best. I had skirted negativity and found myself spontaneously expressing appreciation, which is a positive place to be.

This morning I was preparing my daily green juice. As I introduced a slice of fennel, the end shot off spraying the kitchen with green goo. Uh - oh another part  a needs replacing  Annoyance started to rise within as I mentally calculated the money spent on parts. Useless juicer, I'm always buying new parts. What a waste of money.

And then the shift again; it occurred to me that my juicer had served me well over a number of years. That replacement parts were available, reasonably priced and that I should be thanking my machine for the pretty reliable service in providing me with delicious, nutritious juices. Bingo!

It feels great to witness and acknowledge this new set of responses: the fruits of continuous practice. Listening to my teachers, reflecting on personal experience and actively cultivating positivity through mantra, affirmation and mindfulness.

Kindness is now my default setting, criticism does not belong.  I have opened a space of love and compassion for myself, reflected in my reactions and attitudes to life's daily challenges. Being in a good feeling space will influence what shows up in my life, positively affecting the circumstances and events I attract. Living from the heart feels good.

Affirmations:

I see the best in myself and in others

I appreciate myself

I am loving, kind and compassionate

I recognise my value and worth

I am a good person
May all beings dwell in the heart