Drinking Coffee and Being Mindful About It

The experience of getting ready to drink (and drinking) a cup of coffee (or whatever you love) captures the essence and power of mindful awareness.

Coffee!

Do you remember that moment?

Let me take you there.

You feel a flutter of excitement in your belly as you hand your menu back to the server.?

Coffee is coming!

You know it.?

And you can already smell it and it's making your smile...

You’re aware of yourself as you look around at your surroundings and at the other diners as they eat breakfast.

You take a few, deep, nourishing breaths as you recognize some familiar faces. It’s nice to see people you know.

As you hear the sounds of forks and knives gently hitting the plates nearby, it’s clear that many people already have their coffee.

Coffee!?

? You notice a twinge of jealousy toward the other patrons as well as impatience at your server (and the cook that you can’t see) because you don’t have your coffee yet.

? Then you acknowledge that sometimes your mind just churns out stories like these and you don’t need to buy in to the noisy, negative, incessant chit-chat.

? You also realize that you’re happy and smiling because you know what it’s like to experience, enjoy, and be grateful for the gift of coffee.

And it’s coming soon!?

So you take a moment, take a few deep breaths, and then smile.

Because the kitchen door just opened, and here comes coffee!?

You know that dark deliciousness is about to dazzle your palate.

So you offer thanks (and perhaps a little affirmation or prayer) for all of the great things in your life. Like coffee.

And then, you take a sip.?

Coffee!

? ? ??

The preceding “coffee experience” is one way of describing mindful awareness in action.

It doesn’t mean that drinking coffee is a guarantee that you’ll be mindful.

Nor does it mean that you must drink coffee to be mindful.?

It does mean that you can practice mindful awareness in every moment of your day (and get the benefits) while at work and home, no matter what you’re doing.?

The real definition of mindfulness (from the Buddha, in the Suttas, not the Commentaries) is being aware of the movement of mind’s attention as it moves from one thing to another.

So this coffee experience illustrates ten examples of mind’s attention as it moves:

1. Intentionally remembering an event or experience

2. The present-moment physical awareness of yourself:?

a. Via the sensations in your body

b. The movement of your arm as you give the menu to the server

c. The feeling of being in contact with your seat

3. Acknowledging a piece of information (coffee is coming)

4. Recognizing that you’re anticipating an event (coffee is coming)

5. Being cognizant that you’re smelling coffee

6. Breathing and knowing that you’re doing it as you’re doing it

7. Your awareness of yourself, your physical surroundings, ambient sounds, people around you, and feeling good because it’s nice to see folks you know

8. Remembering that your mind is a “thought factory” that pumps out a lot of noise (on top of, and in spite of, your wisdom and insights)

9. Offering gratitude to honor and acknowledge your blessings

10. Being present and smiling as you take your first sip

What comes next?

? Some people go out for breakfast (regardless of the time) or make a pot of coffee right away

?? Others consider how they can bring more mindful awareness and meditation into their communication, into their leadership, and into their lives

What comes next for you?

BTW, are you coming to the PBR this weekend?