Pharm Table Mantra #1: Breathe & Be Mindful

The Pharm Table kitchen follows 10 mantras based on Ayurveda, cuisines from the Blue Zones, and heritage foods of the Southwest.

Our first mantra: Breathe and be mindful! Remember to breathe in between each bite of food.

Breathing isn't just an essential bodily function - it's essential for one's overall sense of calm and well-being. Breathing methods can be utilized as a tool for combatting daily stress and anxiety.

In Ayurveda, there are many techniques, called pranayama, for promoting clarity by controlling the breath. Practicing pranayama daily can be extremely beneficial for your physical and mental health. We recommend taking a yoga class if you're interested in trying out basic pranayama techniques and getting some great exercise while you're at it.

Practicing mindfulness in breathing can also promote mindfulness in everyday life. Life can feel so fast-paced that it feels difficult to focus on one activity at a time. This is often the case when it comes to eating. Being able to truly focus on what you're consuming helps your brain better communicate to your body when you are actually full.

Additionally, your body will better absorb nutrients when it's not in fight-or-flight mode.

At Pharm Table, we want to promote a healthy physical agni, or digestive fire, through carefully prepared food and a relaxing environment. Being able to be present and digest life is just one aspect of mindfulness.

One way to practice mindfulness while eating is to chew your food 20-30 times and breathe in between each bite every time you eat. Eating is a ritual, not something you should do while multitasking. You'll notice a significant difference in your digestive health if you take time to be mindful and breathe.