Indulge Your Sweet Tooth By Mastering Chocolate Meditation

Yes, you read right! Take a bite out of our handy guide to a pretty sweet mindfulness trend…

Chocolate meditation is as simple as it sounds – meditating while eating a bar of chocolate! Such a practice may seem both frivolous and self-indulgent, but it actually has deeper value through enabling you to reconnect with your senses and exercise gratitude – both of which are of vital importance in this hectic world. Connecting with your senses is one of the main benefits of mindful meditation – an ancient Buddhist technique in which we turn our attention completely to the present moment. We observe and note all the sensations, thoughts and feelings arising within us, without dwelling on or judging them. The chocolate you devour during the process is used as an aid. As chocolate meditation and OYoga expert Psalm Isadora explains, “Chocolate

The chocolate you devour during the process is used as an aid. As chocolate meditation and OYoga expert Psalm Isadora explains, “Chocolate meditation is a short, daily meditation you can do as a way to practise being more mindful and present in every aspect of your life – whether it’s with your well-being, sexuality or your relationships. It’s also a way to create a ritual in your life, which helps you slow down so you’re more connected to yourself and others.”

Chocolate meditation helps you learn to be more mindful of what you are putting in your body, too, which means you’re more likely to make better food choices. Even the practice of eating slower helps you feel that you are not succumbing to over-indulgence.

“The idea is that you will adopt the same slow and mindful approach to everything in life, helping you practise appreciation for what and who is around you, and to be better connected to your mind, body and spirit,” says Psalm. “Chocolate meditation engages all five senses, which is key to awakening your sensuality.”

Simple cocoa contemplation

You will need:

A bar of chocolate

A quiet, calm space to sit on the floor

1 Sit crossed legged on the floor and close your eyes. Before you pick up the chocolate, take a couple of deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on your breath and allow your body and mind to settle a little. Mentally rid yourself of any stresses or thoughts you have in that moment.

2 Open your eyes and take a moment to appreciate the chocolate you are about to eat. Where has it come from? What is in it? Try and imagine the different ingredients in their natural growing environment and even the people who might have grown the cocoa beans.

3 Before you place a square in your mouth, take a moment to note any feelings of impatience you may have. Try to overcome the impulse to eat it as quickly as possible. Notice if there are feelings of pleasure and excitement, or feelings of guilt and unease.

4 Slowly unwrap the bar and take it in with your senses. Spend a few moments experiencing the aroma, and cradle the chocolate in your hands – is it rough or smooth?

5 By now you’ll be more than ready to taste it. Pop a piece in your mouth, but try to resist chewing. Notice how it feels in your mouth – take in the temperature and texture. Also become aware of the taste – whether it’s sweet, bitter or creamy. Try to allow the chocolate to melt in your mouth slowly by gently moving it around with your tongue. Close your eyes, relax and enjoy the moment.

Reconnect with your senses

1. SIGHT

Hold a small piece of chocolate in your hand and just look at it. Closely examine what you are about to consume. This builds expectation. Take two to three long, deep breaths just focusing on the chocolate.

2. SMELL

Wave the piece of chocolate under your nose and take in its seductive cocoa aroma.

3. TOUCH

Trace the outline of your lips with the piece of chocolate to build up anticipation. Appreciate its creamy, silky, smooth and sensual texture. Stay strong and refrain from eating it, though!

4. TASTE

Trace the chocolate square with the tip of your tongue, licking the chocolate ever-so gently. Do this for about 10 seconds to truly savour the sensation.

5. HEAR

Put the piece of chocolate in your mouth, but don’t chew or swallow it. Place it on your tongue, close your mouth and let it dissolve. As it’s melting, make a humming sound. The vibration in your mouth combined with the deliciousness of chocolate can be very stimulating.

Meet Psalm Isadora…

Psalm Isadora is a sexuality and trauma expert who has expertise in women’s health and empowerment. She is also the founder of OYoga – a combination of yoga, belly dance and burlesque to help women unlock their own inner sex goddess. She also specialises in chocolate meditation and teaches others how to use it as an aid for both mindfulness and tantric sex. For more information, visit psalmisadorayoga.com