If you are looking to cultivate greater mindfulness in your life, the holiday season is a great time to explore it. In fact, being more mindful has the potential to transform what could be a stressful prospect into one that you look forward to with joy and serenity.
What is mindfulness?
Definitions vary, but a mindful approach is generally considered a form of meditation−a calming, centering lifestyle practice in which we attend to events and experiences in a highly receptive manner. Mindfulness is also described as a state of nonjudgmental attentiveness; the basic human ability to be fully present, acutely aware of our space and what we are engaged in.
A mindful approach can enhance virtually any endeavor, as it’s about giving the situation or activity at hand our full and complete attention. This helps to ensure a deeper, more profound experience or outcome, as opposed to the classic Western “multi-tasking,” in which one juggles several actions at once with split attention on each.
What is mindful baking?
Mindful baking is simply applying mindfulness techniques to the baking process. As with any creative endeavor, this starts with your attitude before you begin. If you are feeling tense, anxious or stressed, for example, you may want to take time to decompress before embarking on the project, especially if you are seeking a calm, enjoyable, mindful experience.
Paying close attention is fundamental to mindful baking, as one step builds upon the next. Being exact in calculating ingredients is an exercise in awareness. Another aspect of mindful baking to how you pace it. To help ensure a positive experience, allow more time than you think you will need for the project. Feeling rushed at any point runs counter to the goal of healthy mindfulness, as it’s difficult to become fully immersed in the process if you’re anxiously watching the clock.
Baking mindfully is about fully engaging all your senses throughout, from selecting a recipe to thorough cleaning of your space when you are finished.
What are the benefits of mindful baking?
As a methodical, sensory process, baking can be considered a form of ‘active mindfulness,’ which is about fully engaging your senses in the present moment. In this regard, baking can be a mental and emotional escape as well as a destination, in which we focus our attention on the project and unwind through a ‘moving meditation’ of simple, sensory actions like chopping, kneading, mixing and measuring.
Following the recipe directions can help in stressful times by providing a sense of healthy control, while making something lovely, fragrant and delicious can fuel a sense of creativity and purpose.
Mindful baking may also be a heart-centered action, as the baking process has positive emotional associations for many of us. For example, you may recall your mother pulling freshly baked bread from the oven, with an aroma you still vividly recall. Or maybe it was making mini tarts from dough scraps with your grandmother as you stood on a stool in your little apron. Perhaps you helped your own toddlers learn how to make cookies or muffins for gifts or get well-treats.
We also have memories around aromas, textures, visuals and flavors. Given these factors, mindful baking may promote an uplifting or emotionally nourishing feeling as we enjoy the nostalgia of an afternoon mixing, stirring, spicing, decorating and creating.
Tips for baking mindfully
Get inspired
Mindful baking should be an enjoyable process, so start with a recipe you’re excited about. While there is comfort in making what is familiar, experimenting with new recipes is a healthy mental challenge and may lead to a delicious new tradition.
Make the time
Since we know that feeling rushed is counterproductive to mindful baking, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time, when you won’t be interrupted or obligated elsewhere.
Prepare your space
To help ensure a positive experience, start with a clean kitchen and an ample workspace. You can also set the mood with soothing music, maybe opting for a relaxing instrumental mix.
Gather your ingredients
The French refer to this as ‘mise en place,’ meaning everything is in its place. This means organizing all the ingredients and tools you will need before you embark on the project.
Enjoy the step-by-step process
By moving thoughtfully through the recipe directions, you can better appreciate each little step. This is an exercise in active gratitude, in which we consciously acknowledge the tiny joys within our day.
Savor the rewards
The joy may be in the journey, but mindful baking has tangible rewards along the way too, such as the irresistible muffins, cookies, tarts or whatever you create, along with positive feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction. You also now have something wonderful to share or give away, kind gestures that offer emotional wellness benefits.
If you’re ready to bake mindfully, what should you create?
While you could stick to traditional favorites, experimenting with new recipes can be a fun and invigorating challenge, especially when you discover a unique family favorite or holiday gift item in the process. If you’re open to some fresh inspiration when it comes to mindful holiday baking, consider these inviting ideas:
Gluten-Free, Deep Dish, Heart-Shaped Pizza
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
Peanut Butter Muffins with Chia Jam
Festive, Gluten-Free Cranberry Bread
Vegan Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dirty Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies
Raspberry White Chocolate Blondies
Are you feeling the warm, cozy pull towards holiday and seasonal baking yet? If so, why not share it with your children or grandchildren? Most kids enjoy working with food, especially baking, and you can establish a wonderful new annual family tradition working on special favorites together.
And of course, we now know that in addition to being an enjoyable experience, mindful holiday baking may also be a way of supporting your overall/holistic well-being. Now, that’s something to celebrate!
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