Welcome.
Before you settle into a comfortable position,
Make sure you have prepared to have a peach for this session today.
If you don't,
That's completely fine.
You are free to use your imagination.
Sit in an upright seated posture.
Tuck in the chin and extend the neck.
Finding length in the spine.
Gently roll back your shoulders,
Opening up your chest.
And when you are ready,
Close your eyes for the following breathing exercise.
Shifting your attention to the breath.
Observing the state your body is in today.
Observing the breath.
Begin by deepening the breaths.
Take a long,
Deep inhale through the nose.
And taking a long,
Deep exhale through the mouth.
And again.
Breathing in.
And breathing out.
Follow the breath for a few more moments here.
From the very beginning of the breath to the end.
Noticing the pause right before an in-breath turns into an out-breath.
The way your belly rises and falls back down again.
Feel yourself relaxing.
Enjoying this moment of peace and quiet.
Spending some well-deserved time to be with the body and mind in this way today.
And now allowing the breath to return to its natural rhythm.
Letting it be soft and inviting.
Beginning to shift your attention to the peach you are holding in your hand.
If you do not have a peach available,
That's ok.
Visualize holding a peach.
The more mindfulness you invite into the present moment today,
The more you will enjoy the fruit.
If your mind is clear of stress or worry,
You will most certainly enjoy the peach more than if you feel tense or distracted.
If you are fearful or angry,
You may not even acknowledge the fact that you are holding a peach at all.
The mind is a powerful tool used to enhance life's most precious moments,
No matter how big or how small.
Whether it may be your wedding day or simply enjoying a delicious fruit.
By looking at the peach,
Not only do you see it,
But you are also able to see its source,
The peach tree.
You can begin to freely visualize the sunny environment the peach tree is surrounded by,
And the raindrops that fall upon the petals where the small green fruit begins to grow.
You may choose to be aware of gratitude for everyone involved in the cultivation and preparation of this item of fruit.
Someone has picked this peach and it has traveled all the way into your hands.
By observing the peach,
You are able to see its sensory touch,
The tiny hairs that protect the skin of the fruit.
Let your sense of vision really have a feast.
Food should be savored by the mind as well as the body.
Feel the peach in your hands,
The smooth skin,
Soft yet firm surface.
The roundness of it.
How does it taste?
How does it feel?
Even before you eat it,
You may notice that you begin to have a digestive response in your body just by noticing and smelling it.
Gently bring the peach to your mouth and take a bite.
It is very sweet and juicy.
See if you can detect the intention to swallow as it comes up so that even this is experienced consciously before you actually swallow it.
Notice the sensation and taste that may linger in your mouth.
Hear the sound the peach makes when you bite into it.
Is it fresh,
Soft or tough?
Observe the inside of the peach,
The area where you took a bite out of it.
What colors do you see in the yellowish flesh?
What does the texture look like inside the peach?
What does it taste like?
Smell the peach.
A delicate aroma that is sweet with just a little bit of acidity.
Feel the scent travel up into your nostrils.
Take a few moments to enjoy this peach fully.
After this mindful eating practice,
You may feel somewhat calmer and more settled.
Every time you look at the peach,
You are able to observe an entire universe in it.
The sunshine,
The rain,
The fresh air and the soil that provide the peach life itself to be transformed into a delicious treat for you to enjoy.
Use this meditation practice to help you enjoy eating a peach to your heart's content.
Inviting mindfulness into every bite.
May you have a wonderful day.
