Relaxing with a Cup of Java
by Dirk A. Benham, DC

Hopefully, as you are reading this, you are enjoying your favorite cup of java or tea.     You may possibly be admitting to yourself that you are taking time out from the stresses of life. Often, we think and believe that we are relaxing — but are we really?

Every day, we encounter and deal with numerous stressors in our lives. The stresses of finances, relationships, jobs, politics, etc., can and do take a toll on the human body, both physically and emotionally.
 
We indirectly learned at an early age that, as long as we keep our nervous system stimulated, we are able to keep pace with the increasing stresses of life. This is adaptation to stress. Somehow and incorrectly, we have identified this adaptation of the nervous system with “being relaxed.” This is not relaxation in any sense of the word!

However, by employing a few simple meditation techniques even while drinking your java or tea, you can learn to calm the nervous system and thus, truly relax your mind and body.

While holding your cup of java in your hand, clear your mind of all thoughts. Do not allow yourself to think about the past, the present or the future. In fact, do not allow your mind to think at all. Allow your mind to go blank and allow only your senses of sight, taste, smell and touch to experience the cup of java in your hand.

For example, allow yourself to just feel the cup. Feel it for what it is. Touch it and gently rub it. Feel its warmth. Feel its texture. Feel its weight. Feel its shape. Do not think about what you are feeling, just feel it and allow yourself to sense the experience.

While feeling the cup, smell the aroma emanating from your cup. Close your eyes and immerse yourself in all the wondrous, sensual fragrances of it. Inhale and exhale deeply and slowly and savor the aromas. Do not attempt to identify them, just sense and experience. Then experience the combination of your senses of touch and smell simultaneously.

While feeling and smelling, look at the steamy surface of your java. See it as more than a cup of hot liquid. Observe the surface, observe the hue of colors and the dance of the froth or bubbles. Notice the steam as it swirls upward from the surface. Observe and see without thinking. See only with your sense of sight. Do not allow yourself to see with your thoughts. Experience the combination of your senses of sight, touch and smell.

Finally, sip it. Taste it on your lips. Let the liquid pool on your tongue and inside your mouth. Embrace its warmth. Enjoy its texture. Taste the flavors. Sense the taste buds on your tongue responding to the chemistry of the java. Then, allow yourself to swallow. Feel it gently rolling towards the back of your throat and finally gliding down the throat. Again, do not think about what you are sensing. Then, allow yourself to experience the combination of taste, sight, touch and smell.

Experience the sensing (touch, taste, smell and sight) without thinking about what you are sensing. Remember, you are relaxing by sensing without thinking and without attempting to categorize, label, identify or even rationalize the experience. Simply allow all of your senses to experience the present moment with your cup of java.

By keeping your mind completely blank and without thinking, you are allowing your right brain to be dominant over your left brain. Right-brain activities, such as experiencing with only your senses, are truly relaxing and calming for the mind and body. True relaxation helps the mind and body to harmonize, to energize and reprioritize its daily duties, such as healing and normal functioning.

When you have performed the aforementioned techniques, have successfully managed to keep your mind devoid of all the past, present and future scenarios that contribute to your stress levels — and have allowed yourself to imbibe your java or tea while experiencing with only your senses — then you have remained present and relaxed. Congratulations!

If, on the other hand, your cell phone, background noise or some other stressor has distracted you during this process, do not become discouraged. Allow yourself to attempt this again in the near future. The process of learning to relax does take practice and patience. Eventually, you will become successful in truly relaxing with your cup of refreshment.

With additional practice and patience, you can eventually learn to relax in any situation. And as a result, the stressors in your life will decrease their adverse effect on your physical health and emotional well-being.

And now it’s time for me to relax with my cup of java …