Enjoying that First Cup of Coffee with Mindfulness

While being a popular topic these days, mindfulness is sometimes misunderstood as being a form of meditation or merely about disconnecting from our various screens and devices rather than its original intent, connecting with and being aware of the present. Some of the best mindfulness activities are just taking the time to enjoy the little things... like feeling the sun on your skin, or the breeze in your hair, or the smell of that first cup of coffee…

With that in mind (being mindful one might say), here are some tips for using mindfulness to really enjoy that first cup of coffee. (Note: this is a great way to enjoy your morning ritual, but maybe make sure you have the time for this in your schedule, since a mindfulness exercise may not be the best idea if you’re rushing out the door to get to work on time).

• Put away all distractions. Put your phone on silent and keep your laptop and devices out of the kitchen.
• Make sure you have all of your ingredients. Maybe even taking time to really appreciate the artwork on the creamer label.
• Brew your coffee. Take time to really notice this part of the process. What kind of coffee maker do you have? If it’s a more traditional coffee maker, feel the texture of the filter paper, smell the raw coffee grounds, listen as you pour the water. If it’s something like a Keurig, maybe feel the texture of the pod before you insert it, really appreciating the object in your hand.
• As the coffee brews, resist the temptation to get a screen or to tune out. Instead, stay present and listen to the burbling sounds of the machine as the coffee brews, maybe appreciating the first early smells of that delicious bean juice concoction.
• Take note of each step as you take your Leaner Creamer out of the cabinet. Before you stir, be interested in the feel of the package in your hand and the way it looks in the morning light. As scoop out the creamer, feel the precision in your fingers as the spoon pours it into the cup. And as the creamer is added to the coffee itself, make a point of watching the contents of your mug turn from black to brown as the creamer mixes.
• Before you take that first sip, really appreciate the drink in your hands. Test the heat of the mug on your fingers. Take in the aroma of the fresh coffee. As you take the first sip, feel the heat and texture on your tongue, and really taste the flavor in your mouth.

How do you feel as you enjoy the rest of your coffee having done this exercise? Are you calmer? More serene? As the exercise ends where do your thoughts go? To the troubles of the world? The tasks ahead of you before you go to bed? To the awe you feel about the vast selection of flavors in the Leaner Creamer selection?

If nothing else, as you settle down to enjoy your coffee, remember… that it’s going to be a good day.