Recently I came across this exercise used by a Zen master to encourage
newcomers to be aware of what they eat.  The Zen master gives each person
one potato chip, one section of an orange and one store-bought cookie (I
think the example I read was an Oreo).  Each person first eats the potato
chip - slowly and thoughtfully - then they write down or say what they
taste.  Next, the same exercise with the orange, followed by the cookie.  In
the example I read, some people refused to even eat the cookie after the
experience of REALLY tasting an orange.

I thought this exercise might have some use in a breastfeeding (or
childbirth) class.  I haven't fully thought out the context as to how I
would use it, but perhaps others might have ideas.  It is such a powerful
way of getting people to really experience food.  Breastmilk = the orange
and AIM = potato chip?  The full experience of really being there for your
baby (the orange) vs. plugging that bottle in the hungry baby's mouth (the
big bowl of potato chips you eat while watching TV)?

I'd love to hear other ideas.

Robyn Love, LCCE, LLLI Peer Counselor
Sunnyside, NY USA

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