Chocolate and meditation, well there's two of my favourite words right there! And how fabulous would it be to combine the two in one "delicious" session? Well you can!!!! Practising chocolate meditation, may at first sound a little frivolous but look a little deeper and you will quickly see the amazing benefits.
This meditation is perfect for everyone from the beginner to the more experienced and if you have previously struggled to commit to the practice of meditation, this one comes with its own reward! But of course it does go deeper than just satisfying our love of all things chocolate. This meditation will enable you to connect fully with all of your senses, to truly appreciate the experience of pleasure without guilt and to practice loving -kindness to yourself.
It's important to say at this stage, that this should not be seen as an opportunity to gorge on chocolate...remember everything in moderation! However there is lots of scientific research out there that supports the benefits of chocolate (when eaten responsibly) and in particular dark chocolate. If chocolate is not your thing (what!!!???) then this meditation will work just as well with whatever your treat food might be. The idea behind it is that you fully associate your food choice with feelings of enjoyment, pleasure and love.
So lets get started.............
1. Find a quiet, comfortable place, where you won't be disturbed. Light some candles, put some soft soothing music on and get comfortable. Place your chosen chocolate bar close at hand. A little note here: Choose your most favourite bar of chocolate, treat yourself! Part of this process is about self -love and allowing yourself the opportunity to indulge yourself.
2. Gently close your eyes and bring your awareness to your breath. Begin by inhaling deeply through your nose, filling your lungs with air. Exhale the breath gently through your mouth. Repeat this process for 5 or 6 breaths.
3. Now slowly open your eyes and look at your bar of chocolate and imagine eating it, try to picture the sensations in your mouth of what chocolate tastes like, the feelings it produces in you as you do this continue to breath slowly and steadily.
4. Pick up your bar of chocolate but do not open it yet. Place it in the palm of your hand and notice the colours and shapes on the packaging, feel the weight of it in your hand.
5. If your mind begins to wander, simply bring your attention back to the chocolate.
6. Now begin to slowly open the wrapper. Listen to the sounds of the wrapper tearing. Notice the movement of your hand, fingers and arm muscles as you open the chocolate.
7. Lift the chocolate to your nose, inhale the aroma, and linger with that for a few moments. Then look at the colour, texture, shape of the chocolate, and again focus on these aspects. What words and expressions come up in the mind? Are you looking forward to eating it? Does the smell remind you of a particular chocolate, particular occasion?
8. Now take a small bite of the chocolate, but do not chew or swallow it. Hold the chocolate in your mouth and allow the warmth to slowly melt the chocolate. As it melts in your mouth fully engage with the flavour, the textures, the aroma, the taste, all the qualities and sensations of the chocolate that come to you. Focus only on the chocolate and your feelings/thoughts, but remember to keep breathing (in and out through the nose).
9. Let step 8 last as long as possible. Slowly the piece of chocolate will get smaller and smaller. As it shrinks stay with the sensations, taste, and experience. Does it bring up memories? Does it bring up any associations for you? If possible, watch these thoughts/feelings in as neutral manner as you can.
10. The piece of chocolate will eventually melt away into nothing. This may take two or more minutes. As it fades away, stay focused on the lingering aroma, taste and sensations as much as you can.
11. After a few more breaths become aware of your breathing pattern, aware of where you are sitting, the space around you. Enjoy a few more breaths with the eyes closed before you open them.
12. Journal your experiences.
So grab yourself a chocolate treat and enjoy some all important "me" time.
Love and light
Sharon x x
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