Reading, Eating, Stream of Consciousness

Food Fight #40

Reading and eating are similar. For cells to eat, nutrients must be absorbed into the bloodstream. For the cognitive mind to eat, nutrients must be absorbed into the stream of consciousness. Thought processes, like body processes, must be fed on a regular basis.

Reading is one of the sources of nutrients for the thinking mind; however, words must be absorbed. Reading that merely reaches the surface layer of the mind is like rubbing food on the skin and calling it eating.

Just as food must reach the stomach, words must reach the “stomach of the mind” where words are held for further processing. We've learned from experience digestion takes time, happens in stages and involves participation by many portions of the body. Shouldn't we allow more time for the proper processing of information? This time allows meaning locked in words to be released by passing through the bowels of the mind. Once digestion begins, it does not need us to figure our what to do with the food. No need to worry sister; the spirit has an immune system of discernment that works with the stream of consciousness to fish out foreign substances. No need to worry brother; that which should not be absorbed will pass through like fiber but will aid the workings of the mind.

Lastly, if praying before consuming food is useful, it should also help before consuming words. Doing so invokes the protections of the immune system in the manner above.

Words as food and food as words. Foods nourish the body; words nourish its ways. We may never have to eat our own words, but there is a health benefit to eating the words of others. Read, eat and stream on!