I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I’d explain my cookie meditation. I’ve done it with children and adults. Adults like it best, but often I think children understand it better. I’ll give you a step-by-step guide, everything you need — except the cookie.

Give everyone a cookie and ask them not to eat it yet. Have gluten-free, sugar-free, etc. available, of course.

Ask those present to smell the cookie and spend some time looking deeply into it.

Ask them what they see in the cookie. You’ll get answers like chocolate chips or a face.

Ask them if they see the sun in the cookie. Explain that the sun was necessary to grow the wheat, sugar cane, etc.

Ask them if they see the wind in the cookie. Explain that the wind helped in spreading seeds and pollinating plants.

Ask them if they see soil in the cookie. Explain that soil is needed for the plants to grow.

Ask them if they see farmers in the cookie. Explain how the farmers contributed.

Ask them if they see trucks in the cookie. Explain they were needed to transport the wheat, sugar, etc.

Ask them if they see diesel fuel in the cookie. Explain how the trucks can’t operate without fuel.

Ask them if they see mechanics in the cookie. Explain why they are needed.

Ask if they see supermarkets in the cookie. You get the idea.

When everyone has had enough of this, tell them that in a moment they may eat the cookie slowly and mindfully, aware of all that went into it, after they repeat , line my line, your Buddhist grace:

In this cookie
I clearly see
The entire universe
Supporting my existence.

Copyright 2015 © Mel Harkrader Pine