Mindful Coffee Practice
Allow yourself to settle into the seat beneath you, bringing a gentle awareness to how the surface feels under your body. Maybe it’s a hard surface or maybe it’s a softer, more cushioned one. Allow yourself to be held by the seat beneath you, relaxing into it.
Begin to notice your shoulders and invite them to roll downward, letting any tension that you might be carrying melt away.
Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for 3 seconds, and then exhale through your mouth, pausing for a few seconds, before taking your next breath.
During the pause, and as you begin your next inhale, wrap your hands around your mug and notice how it feels. Does the mug have a texture to it? Does it feel heavy in your hands? Do your palms feel warm from the coffee inside? Simply notice all that is there to be noticed through the sense of touch.
If you’ve lifted the mug, consider lowering it or placing it back on the table so you can see inside. What do you notice? Is there foam on top or maybe some sprinkles of cinnamon? If not, what color is your coffee? Perhaps it’s black, or maybe light brown if you add cream. Noticing all that is there to be noticed through the sense of sight.
If it’s within your practice today, consider closing your eyes as you bring the mug toward your nose, taking a deep breath in as the aroma of your coffee fills your nostrils. What do you notice? Maybe the delicious scent of hazelnut or maybe a sweet scent, if you enjoy adding sugar or maple syrup to your coffee. Simply noticing what is there to be noticed through the sense of smell.
Welcoming in another intentional breath; in through the nose, pausing for 3 seconds, exhaling through the mouth, and pausing for a few seconds before taking your next breath.
During the pause, and as you begin your next inhale, slowly bring the mug toward your mouth, letting it rest on your lips. When you’re ready, take a sip and let the coffee linger in your mouth for a moment. Notice the temperature and the taste of the liquid. Is it still a bit too hot? Is it the perfect temperature? Is it sweet? Is it bitter? Simply noticing what is there to be noticed through the sense of taste.
As you swallow the coffee, notice the sensations that arise as it travels down your throat.
Welcome another intentional breath; in through the nose, pausing for 3 seconds, exhaling through the mouth, and pausing for a few seconds before inhaling again.
Take a moment to notice any thoughts, feelings or sensations that have presented themselves during this practice. Allow them to enter your consciousness, simply noticing without judgment, and then allowing them to go.