Mindful eating
Many moons ago I was invited to eat a solitary raisin at a mindfulness group. I thought this was bananas, until I tried it. Looking back, it highlighted not only how much I did mindlessly, but how different an experience can be if you simply care to give it all your focus. For it to be the most important thing in that moment. To set aside the somewhat misguided concept of multitasking and allow yourself to be completely absorbed by just one thing.
I now guide others through the mindful eating exercise and love seeing something so plain as a single strawberry transform into a whole world, and one which can delight more than you ever thought it might.
Recently I came across a bar of chocolate that invited me to eat it mindfully! Yes, Mr Chocolate Bar, I like you. The manufacturer left some tasting tips, and I thought I’d share them with you, and add some of my own!
Here’s my guide to mindful eating. Before we get started, choose just one thing. So not a whole meal, or even a slice of toast with your favourite combo on it. Pick something simple, like a berry or a piece of dried fruit. Or, indeed, a piece of chocolate.
1. Check it out. Let your eyes do the work. Once you’ve looked at it, really look at it. I’m not talking about a furtive glance; I’m talking about a very close inspection. Think minute detail and you’re on the right track.
2. Smell it. Be open minded because your brain will tell you what this thing is meant to smell like, but what does it actually smell of? Perhaps other tones or scents are apparent.
3. Listen. No, I’m not expecting your mindful snack to share some words of wisdom, but is there any sound? The snap of a bar of chocolate, or the gentle brush of your finger on the side of an apricot?
4. Feel this thing. What does it weigh, what are the textures, how does it feel against your lips. NB: we still aren’t eating it!
5. Place the morsel on your tongue, or if it’s a question of biting it, go ahead. How does that feel? What are the sensations of this action before you start to chew? Again, what sounds are there?
6. Taste it. Close your eyes and only taste. If you’ve plumped for the chocolate maybe don’t chew just yet. Experience the flavour notes and textures.
7. Now that you’ve eaten this beauty, what do you notice? Is there an after taste? What thoughts arise? How would you now describe this food, and has your opinion of it changed?
It’s true that we can do anything mindfully, but somehow the act of eating is great at employing all the senses. This can help us to appreciate the smaller things in life, and how slowing down can cast things in a completely different light! Now then, where’s that bar of chocolate?