The benefits of mediation are renowned. Practitioners tout the sense of peacefulness and relaxation that comes with regular meditation, and now a recent study even shows that meditation can change the underlying structure of your brain, perhaps explaining some of those benefits.
So why don’t we do it?
First off, it’s intimidating. Also, the pace at which our lives move is fast, really fast, and most of us don’t want to stop and be still. Doing nothing feels seriously unnatural, and don’t even get me started on chanting!
Thankfully, you can get similar benefits from virtually any activity that’s somewhat repetitive in nature and that requires a small amount of your attention. Some examples include running, walking, knitting or needlepoint, washing dishes, watching a roaring fire, and now… even drinking your morning cup of coffee.
This coffee cup method is my personal method of meditation. It helps anchor my day – whatever that might bring – in the peace and relaxation of that morning ritual. And, it’s something I already do wherever I am. Now, it’s just better, calmer.
Here are the details of the Coffee Cup Method:
- Grab a cup of coffee.
- Find a comfortable spot to sit.
- Then drink.
That’s it. The harder part is to do nothing else while there is still coffee in the cup. Just drink it. Don’t read the newspaper or surf the internet. Don’t figure out what you’re going to wear today. Don’t worry about the day to come.
If you get distracted, and you will, just look at the coffee in the cup and take another sip. Think about how good the warmth of the cup feels on in the palm of your hands. Taste it, and think about how the strong flavor awakens your senses and how it will help fuel your day.
Let the outside world slip away. All the matters is the moment and the coffee.
Whatever comes will come. The day will be whatever it will be. Just let the cup of coffee anchor you in this moment here and now.
A Few Thoughts
Personally, I find this meditation best when practiced in early in the morning with a strong Colombian coffee, skim milk, and a little sugar. The natural quiet of that time of the day is an easy fit, and it helps me focus.
I also like the limited nature of it. It’s over in a matter of minutes when the cup is empty, and I only do it with my first cup of coffee. Then, I get on with the rest of my day.
There’s no reason meditation has to be intimidating or weird. Make it your own — anytime, anywhere, and with anything you like to drink! Tea would work too.
