The Zen of Fruit salad

Feeling extra stressed out these days? Me too. I’ve been looking for a solution as I watch the world I know crumble around me. 

At first, I tried meditation. But sitting cross-legged in front of a candle while trying to clearn my mind and think of nothing only made my mind race harder. Like a V-8 engine in an old Ford, my thoughts spun and sparked in spite of my efforts.  As it idled, I ran through worst-case scenarios worthy of a Tarantino movie in my head.

I tried walking meditation next, but all I could think of was not getting by a pasing car. Not much help as a portal to thinking thoughts.  Singing bowls? Nothing. 

It was all an exercise in frustration. But just when I was about to give up, I found the perfect solution. If you want to meditate, make fruit salad. 

Seriously. The concentration required for the movements, and the rhythm of peeling, chopping and artfully combining a bowl of different fruits is also meditation. Separate each slice delicately, admiring the color and texture. Concentrate on slicing or chopping each fruit perfectly, your mind should be present anytime you use a knife.

As you touch each fruit, inhale its fragrance and feel the peeling, know that whichever fruit has the stronger flavor will go fruit-forward in your salad. 

Balancing the mixture and amount of fruits you have in your salad is very important. You don’t need to add anything, just take that first sensuous bite and see where your mind drifts off to. Perfection! You’re already halfway to Nirvana. 

Tips: Balance is a big deal. If you add more of kind of fruit than the others, it will push its flavor forward in the salad. To knock it back a bit, chop into smaller pieces or take a little out. Add only as many bananas as will be eaten in one sitting, if you leave them in leftover salad overnight, the acidity of the other fruits turns them to mush.  

In the spirit of peace, I pass on my personal Zen fruit salad. Give it a try, and see if after you make this salad you don’t feel a whole lot calmer. Makes a big bowl, so cut it back ingredients if you want less, or add your own if you want more. Peace.

Rainy’s Zen Fruit Salad

2 Clementines. Peel, de-vein and cut sections in half

1 Mandarin - Peel, de-vein and cut sections in half, or thirds.

1 Navel Orange - Peel, de-vein and cut sections into thirds.

1 Pineapple cored- Chop 2/3 of cored pineapple into small pieces (but not diced).

1 HoneyBee (or Honey Crisp) Apple - Chop into small pieces.

2 Bananas - Chop into large pieces but add separately. Store separately and add as needed.

Blend gently, don't stir. Let your salad sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors seep into one another. Serve, and bliss out. Peace!