Coffee and mindfulness meditation

[mike]

I have a cup of coffee almost every afternoon. Often, I will turn it into an exercise in mindfulness as I just try to be present with that experience. I will imagine the interconnections of all the people required for me to enjoy that cup of coffee in that particular moment. I am thankful and truly enjoy this experience. Thanks.

mike

[Peter]

Nice one, mike!
And, welcome by the way!
Peter

[Tyho]

Hi,

I just wanted to post an update about me drinking coffee before meditation for the last 3 weeks. I have to say that it really helps me focusing and remaining alert in my mindfulness practice. The trick is not to overdo it. 2-3 cups a day is largely sufficient and maintains the mind afresh to be mindful.

I am surprised that drinking coffee is not mentionned more often in meditation books. It could be very useful, especially for beginners.

[JonW]

'The trick is not to overdo it.'
Damn right.
Coffee, even a weak cup, makes me speedy so I tend to avoid it around meditation. But if it works for you, that's great.
Jon

[Tyho]

The main reason I need coffee to meditate is that I'm now working nightshifts. I found that tea isn't strong enough to get over the drowsiness. I was concerned that the caffeine content of coffee would interfere with my mindfulness practice and the fact that most buddhist monks and popular meditation teachers usually don't drink coffee was a source of concerns. But it does work for me.

[drewscanlon]

Often, I will turn it into an exercise in mindfulness as I just try to be present with that experience. I will imagine the interconnections of all the people required for me to enjoy that cup of coffee in that particular moment. I am thankful and truly enjoy this experience.

This is exactly what I do too! I drink coffee in the morning in this way, then roll right into my meditation session. It completely solves that "falling asleep" problem I've had in the past

[Matt Y]

I just stumbled upon a video from Shinzen Young entitled Tea, Coffee and Meditation — and immediately remembered this discussion.

Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZudmkA4iEM

[Peter]

Thanks Matt. I hope this puts an end to this silly discussion

A lot of people tend to put too much importance of the things they think they should or shouldn't do. While in fact it doesn't matter what the heck one does, as long as one is aware. It is the being that matters, not the doing.

Peter

[JonW]

Hi Alexmendow,
Welcome to the forum.
The mindfulness meet-up group I help run in Brighton is attended by quite a few Christians who find no contradiction between their faith and a regular meditation practice.
Most of the contemporary books about mindfulness are written from an entirely secular point of view. The one I always recommend is Finding Peace In A Frantic World by Mark Williams & Danny Penman.
Please feel free to come back here if you have any questions. We're only too happy to help, whenever we can.
All good things,
Jon

[fabiG]

Today, when I was coming from work, I didn't really feel like meditating formally, so I made a hot chocolate (it's freezing cold in Germany!) and tried to be really mindful when drinking it. It was really interesting to see all the different shapes, colors and changes in the hot chocolate after each sip! And to hold a warm cup in cold hands felt great as well! I found it a bit more useful and interesting than just a black coffee!