The phrase "Tasting Deeply" has as many meanings as there are people who use it.
What would it mean if your were to "taste deeply" the very next bite of food you eat? How many bites in a row could you taste deeply?
Tasting deeply certainly involves full attention to your food. You would rivet all of your conscious effort to the bite, searching for all flavors, textures, aromas and tastes.
The mindful eater uses Tasting Deeply as a frequent strategy for staying in the moment with food. Try this type of bite and adapt it to your own definition of "Tasting Deeply."
To experience a "Tasting Deeply" bite:
- Choose the bite size carefully; make the bite smaller than usual.
- Before bite, smell the food and enjoy the aromas.
- Look at the food and notice colors, shapes and visual textures.
- During the bite, shut out other stimuli. If it helps, close your eyes. Concentrate on all the tastes and textures. As much as possible, engage all five senses. Enjoy every aspect of your food.
- Continue to chew until the food is completely smooth.
- Swallow and note the aftertastes.
Devote one bite per meal to this approach. Then, go to two bites for some meals, and then three. Build up to eating an entire meal of "Tasting Deeply."
