The chocolate meditation: this is how the sweet mindfulness exercise works

When some think of mindfulness and meditation, it is not uncommon for images of ascetic monks to rise in the morning at 4 a.m. and meditate at dawn before engaging in physical labor for the rest of the day. This kind of mindfulness has always put us off a bit, too, as it sounds like a lot of rigor and self-discipline. The situation is different with the chocolate meditation, in which the actual meaning of mindfulness exercises comes into play much better. Ultimately, meditation and mindfulness are primarily about compassion for oneself and others. And instead of getting angry when a chocolate craving hits you, next time try to be clear about it and turn the craving into a meditation.

How to meditate with chocolate

At first glance, the chocolate meditation may sound like a (successful) joke or meditation light. But meditation is not only enjoyable, it actually has a deeper meaning. Because it helps to reconnect you with your senses, which is more important than ever in the stressful (digital) everyday life. Reconnecting with your body and your senses is one of the greatest benefits of mindfulness practice. Ergo, anything that can help with that is of the utmost value. By the way: anyone who has ever done a chocolate tasting team event with us or is a chocolate subscriber is already familiar with the steps. Can't remember very well? Then this is the perfect reminder to enjoy the "real" chocolate.

The Chocolate Meditation in 6 Steps:

Choose a chocolate that you don't know or haven't eaten in a long time. We would suggest a fine chocolate around 70% - and we have a few suggestions ;-) - but in principle any chocolate of your choice will do. However, it is always helpful if you do not know the chocolate well. This makes the chocolate meditation much easier. You can of course determine the length of the meditation yourself, but we recommend that you take at least 10 minutes.
That's how it works:

• Open the pack and breathe in the aroma deeply. Pause for a moment and let the aroma work on you (then breathe out again ;-) ).
• Break off a small piece and examine it carefully. Look at it like you've never seen a piece of chocolate before. Is the chocolate shiny? Does it have a smooth breaking edge? Is it flat or does it throw small bubbles? Allow yourself enough time for this step.
• And now? Do not eat! Put a piece of chocolate in your mouth and let it slowly melt on your tongue. Watch how you react to the piece of chocolate and resist the urge to chew it. If the reflex was greater than the will, just take a little bit afterwards. As I said, this mindfulness exercise is not about being particularly strict with you, but about feeling your senses. So taste it, because it's worth it: (fine) chocolate has more aromas than wine! Which ones can you taste?
• Do you keep wandering off with your thoughts? Unlike a regular meditation, with chocolate it shouldn't be as difficult to bring your focus back to the chocolate. Just gently draw your attention back to the chocolate and taste it again. Because the flavors of the chocolate evolve as it melts, it's really exciting to watch the flavor evolution from start to finish.
• After the chocolate is completely melted, she swallows slowly and carefully. Let the aftertaste work on you for a moment. Is this still changing? Fine chocolate can linger on the tongue for up to 10 minutes.
• Now repeat the process with another piece.

How are you feeling now? Did the chocolate taste different, better? And what was it like not "breathing in" the chocolate in no time at all, but concentrating fully on small pieces? Do you perhaps even feel fuller and happier - despite small pieces?
Prefer a guided meditation? Then check out Diane Gehart's Chocolate Meditation .