When was the last time you made space to have breakfast in bed, for yourself or a loved one?
As the days warm into Summer, and the sun rises even earlier, you may find this a good time to savour a breakfast in bed experience - it sets a different tone for your day, and allows the opportunity to nourish your body as well as your mind.
Here are 3 essential considerations, including a simple 3-ingredient recipe, to help you craft a treat for mind and body.
1. Be Present
Learning to be focused is one of the greatest challenges when distraction is all around us. By making the time for ourselves, away from the everyday rush of always moving, preparing, doing, we have the chance to exhale and experience stillness.
So why not make the most of it?
Before you even make your way out of bed, take the time to arrive.
Open your lips, and exhale out the stale air that accumulates in our lungs as we sleep. Then notice the breath as you inhale, and feel the sensation of air travelling through your nostrils, expanding your lungs, belly, back… perhaps sensing the softness of the sheets against your skin, the temperature in the room, maybe the rumbling of your stomach…
Even if you only have 20 minutes for breakfast, this is your space, now. Give yourself a moments permission, to just be here.
2. Keep it Simple
What often stops us from doing things we love, is the messy business of preparation and tidy-up. It is the same with preparing breakfast - so let’s simplify when it comes to the making.
You might like to savour your favourite mix and match in the comfort of bed: a classic toast and tea combination, or a wholesome granola.
If you’re feeling more playful, remember a cooked breakfast does not have to be complicated!
Pancakes can be a hearty, nutritious and nostalgic option for a morning meal. There are limitless ways to cater for personal preference - whether you are into berries, cinnamon and yoghurt, dark chocolate and banana, perhaps a savoury version with avocado, goat’s cheese and fresh herbs -or anything in between: go for it!
There’s a certain ritual in noticing the transformation of simple ingredients into something even more delicious than the sum of its parts.
Scroll down for a beautiful 3-ingredient, gluten free and vegan pancake recipe sure to please you and your loved ones. It takes only 10 minutes to make - so put on music to suit your mood, take the time to slowly savour your favourite morning beverage, and enjoy crafting your meal!
3. Take it Slow
Time is relative. If we slow down our thoughts, we can slow down the experience of time.
When we are anxious or stressed, our actions tend to reflect this, and we start moving faster, and with less rhythm. The opposite is also true - by moving slower, breathing deeper, we can bring more calm to our minds.
Try moving with intention, observing how you are travelling through space - are you rushing? Why so?
Perhaps you’d like to spend a few seconds enjoying the smells and sight of your breakfast creation, before you take that first bite. Notice the aroma, the textures, the colours and how your tongue is anticipating the taste. Eating is so much more than taste; it is a multi-sensory experience. Why not savour it all?
Time is one precious currency, so experience it wisely. We have the capacity to reshape and savour each moment. It’s a super power worth exploring.
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RECIPE
3-Ingredient Pancakes
Recipe adapted from Sweet Simple Vegan
(Gluten-free option, Vegan)
Ingredients :
3 cups rolled oats (or gluten free rolled oats)
2 cups almond milk / plant-based milk of choice
2 ripe or spotty bananas
Goodies to blend in :
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/3 tsp cinnamon / nutmeg / allspice
- 1 pitted medjool date - if you’re a sweet tooth
- 1/4 tsp organic vanilla bean powder
Goodies to stir in :
- 1/2 cup berries of choice
- 1/4 cup crushed walnuts
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Goodies to top with :
- Maple syrup or honey
- Berries, banana slices
- Crunchy granola or seeds and nuts
- Coconut Chips
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We’d love to hear about your experience - leave us a comment below, and feel free to share the love and send this on to friends and family!
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About the Author: Lucy Lawes is an advocate for mindful living.
