Silent Lunches

Eating Experience Design | Facilitation

The rituals and ceremony of mealtimes inspire me a lot. In 2017, I facilitated a series of mindful long table lunches at Grow HQ in Waterford. The intention for these lunches was slowness and silence.  

I believe that the external environment has such an impact on the inner experience. The intimate lofty space was lit only by candlelight. Guidance cards were placed on each plate to be used as gentle reminders to slow down and savour each mouthful.

The food prepared by chef JB was a colourful array of seasonal and organic vegetarian dishes – with contrasts in colour, temperature and texture to encourage engagement of the senses.

For the first twenty minutes, we ate alongside each other in silence. This was a big contrast to the way we usually eat and observe others eating. Although a bit radical and even at times a bit awkward, it really helped slow things down. It also helped highlight habitual patterns of eating and not being present that are often missed in our fast-paced everyday. A shared silent meal feels sacred and these silent lunches were insightful explorations.

“A silent meal helps you to come back to yourself and arrive in the present moment.”

- Thich Nhat Hanh