Chocolate Meditation? Pinch Me, I'm Dreaming!

Oh, be still, my beating chocolate-loving heart! If mindfulness meditation hasn't been working for you, or if you simply want a new routine, then maybe you'll like chocolate meditation, courtesy of Elizabeth Scott's Stress Management blog. If you've never tried meditation before, this is such an easy and yummy way to start.

It has the same benefit as mindfulness meditation, but you may find it easier to stick with…probably has something to do with the immediate reward, don't you think?

To start, get one small piece of chocolate. Something bite-size is preferable (and no, not the "bite-size" of the woman in the photo.) You really don't need every much at all. If you don't like chocolate or can't eat it, try this with some other small, flavorful, bite sized food like a raisin.

Keep your piece of chocolate handy as you get comfortable in your favorite chair. Close your eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths to help relax your body. Breathe in…breathe out…breathe in…breathe out…ahhh…you're feeling better already.

Take a small bite of your chocolate. Keep it on your tongue as it melts. How does it taste? How does it really taste? Pay attention to all the flavors as you allow yourself to stay in this moment, totally absorbed in the experience. How does your mouth feel? Your tongue? Your teeth? All this while, continue taking slow, deep breaths through your nose, and concentrate on all the sensations.

Swallow. Focus your attention on the sensation of the chocolate sliding down your throat. The emptiness of your mouth…the aftertaste (if any)…how does that feel?

Take a second bite, and focus even down to how your arm, hand and fingers feel as they reach for the chocolate and bring it to your mouth. As before, "be with" all the sensations as you allow this second bite to melt…everything your feeling right now, in this moment.

If other thoughts pop into your head, gently move them back to the current experience you're having with the chocolate. The point of mindfulness meditation is to stay in the "now" as much as possible.

Sit with your experience. You can continue with the meditation if you like, breathing deeply and focusing on the lingering sensation, or continue with your day.

If you're new to meditation, you might find that a regular practice can help you lower your stress and in turn, your blood pressure. It could also reduce anxiety and improve your sleep. And a bonus…if you've got a serious chocolate jones, you may find that this mindful focus on one or two tiny bites could be enough to satisfy you.

Enjoy!