mindfulness: chew it over

a monk once said that when you eat you should eat thoughtfully, without rushing. this way, not only can you enjoy all the subtle variations of tastes on your tongue, your body can more accurately assess its need for nutrition and you'll be less likely to overeat.

my own experience is that engaging other people is not unlike the process of a meal, where the food is the information of human intent or action (words for example). before reacting you should mull it around just for an extra second on the mind's palate. if it is bitter or scalding, with time and practice, you may learn to wash it down with something pleasant, or breath in air to cool it down, and avoid having to spit the whole thing out at the other person. of course, if you are constantly fed sour fruit, you should refrain from eating at that table altogether.