Anyone who knows me well knows that I take coffee extremely seriously. Over the span of my life, I have consumed no more than 15 cups in total. No more than 15...hard to believe I know. I am not 100% sure why I do not indulge myself daily or weekly, but I can tell you this, coffee drinking has simply not found a way into my routine.

I am writing this to bring enjoyment back to a moment that it all too often rushed. Since I make coffee drinking a rare occurrence, I can say that I have truly enjoyed most of my coffee moments over the years. Coming from someone who enjoys about one cup of coffee per year, I have some thoughts on how you can enjoy this experience as much as I enjoy it.

I realize that there are varying levels of coffee drinking for the everyday coffee drinker, so I have broken this up into two approaches (The Casual Dabbler & The Enlightened Enthusiast). Feel free to pick the option that best fits your style.

Here we go:

The Invitation

Casual Dabbler

For the Casual Dabbler, taking big steps (such as not rushing a cup of coffee) can be difficult for you, so grab a close friend or relative. Do not go alone! This friend or relative can be your co-worker, friend, parent, spouse, or significant other. Since St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, let’s just name this person "Pattie". (Imagine someone in your life who will represent Pattie)

Enlightened Enthusiast

For the Enlightened Enthusiast, I am confident that you understand the value of human-to-human relationships, so let's dial this up a notch.

Look around your office, school or neighborhood, and think of the one person who has the least number of friends or is extremely shy. Invite that person to join you for this cup of coffee. Again, let's name this person "Pattie". (Before contacting Pattie, imagine Pattie smiling and having a great time, chatting away with you at the coffee shop)

Placing the Order

Casual Dabbler

With Pattie by your side, head to your favorite coffee shop. Open the door for your guest, Pattie, and any other patrons also entering the shop. Look at each of them and smile. Casually assert yourself ahead of Pattie in the queue. Allow the coffee shop employee to greet you, and ask for your order.

Lightly smile, and breathe deeply in through your nose & exhale. Make eye contact with the employee, and say “Thank you for taking our order (Breathe). I will be paying for Pattie today." (Breathe) Look back toward Pattie and smile. If Pattie says thank you, smile and pat him/her on the shoulder and say, “You're welcome”. Continue to smile as you look back at the coffee shop employee (maintain eye contact). Order only your coffee & turn to Pattie and say "Please let the staff member know what you would like." Pay for both coffees and say to the staff member, “Thanks again & have a great day!”

Enlightened Enthusiast

For the Enlightened Enthusiast do everything as the Casual Dabbler does, but form a relationship with the coffee shop employee. Ask the coffee shop employee, "What is your name?" After he/she answers, reply with "Hello (Name)". After paying for the coffees, say to yourself, "I love that employee, (Name); he/she gave great service."

Coffee is Prepared

Casual Dabbler

While you are waiting for your coffee, inhale through your nose & exhale. You are doing great so far! Remember that you are not in a rush. Make a pleasant comment about how nice the coffee shop smells, and how wonderful the day has been so far. If Pattie makes a comment, listen carefully and smile. If you agree, shake your head in agreement. If you disagree, say that you disagree, and explain why. If your disagreement continues and cannot be resolved, ask Pattie if you can discuss this at a later date. Change the topic to something peaceful.

Enlightened Enthusiast

Once again, do everything as the Casual Dabbler does, but look around the coffee shop, and thank the room (to yourself) for being so inviting. Thank all of the eclectic furniture and decor for being so warm & friendly. If there is music playing, listen carefully to the lyrics and thank the artist for sharing their creative talent with you today. Turn to Pattie and comment, "I love the ambiance, it is so warm and inviting."

Coffee is Served

Casual Dabbler

The staff member serves the two of you. Accept your coffee with a smile. If the staff member gave good service, say "Thank you for brightening my day today".

If the staff member did not give service, accept the coffee and say “Enjoy the rest of your day.”

Enlightened Enthusiast

Just keep doing what the Casual Dabbler is doing. Wow, you are feeling great! This is really working!

Coffee Prep Station

Casual Dabbler

After being served, walk to the coffee prep station with Pattie, and accessorize your coffee to your liking. Smell the ingredients as you pour or shake them into your coffee. Stir gently and notice how smoothly the coffee swirls in the cup. Place the lid on the coffee and notice the quiet “pop” as it fits snugly around the top of the cup. Do not take a sip yet, the coffee is too hot!

Turn to Pattie and ask, "Would like to join me for a casual walk with our coffee or would you prefer to enjoy the coffee inside the coffee shop?"

Enlightened Enthusiast

For the Enlightened Enthusiast, thank each of the coffee accessories by name. Thank them for allowing your coffee to be the tasty & delicious beverage you are about to enjoy. "Thank you soy milk." "Thank you vanilla powder." "Thank you cinnamon." And so on.

Enjoyment Location

Casual Dabbler

If Pattie chooses to stay in the coffee shop, remember that he/she is your guest and be delighted to enjoy the coffee inside the coffee shop with Pattie. Do not be discouraged about not going for a walk; you can go for a walk tomorrow or the next day. No big deal. Locate an open table, pull out a chair for Pattie, and allow him/her to sit. Now take your seat.

If Pattie agrees to go for a walk, this is great! Smile widely and exit the coffee shop. Just start walking. Do not plan a destination. After about 50 feet, pause. Listen intently to your surroundings. Be delighted with the weather. Be calm.

Enlightened Enthusiast

As you are doing everything as the Casual Dabble does, feel the energy of the moment, allow yourself to be incredibly content with Pattie's decision. Either way, you are about to be in a wonderful state of enjoyment.

The Final Step: Enjoyment

Casual Dabbler & Enlightened Enthusiast

Whether you are indoors or outdoors, the remaining steps are the same. Be still for 30 whole seconds. Do not talk. If Pattie talks, just listen. Inhale through your nose and exhale. After the 30 seconds are up, take your first sip of your freshly brewed coffee. Imagine the entire world at peace. Ask yourself, "How wonderful does this coffee taste?" Focus on the distinct flavor.

After the first sip, do not take the second sip for another 30 seconds, just breathe. Thank Pattie for joining you today. Engage in stimulating conversation as you are sipping your wonderful coffee. With each sip, continue to ask yourself, "How wonderful does this coffee taste?" Continue until you reach the last sip.

After enjoying your very last sip, lick your upper lip casually & taste the last drop on your lip. Hold the taste in your mind. Close your eyes & smile. Inhale. Exhale.

Congratulations! You just enjoyed a cup of coffee :)


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Please pass this article along to "Pattie"

Remember: Sunshine Pie is a mindset. Keep it going.