Program Details
Name
Mindful Eating Workshop
Description

Organize a mindful eating workshop to help residents appreciate the sensory experience of their meals. The workshop introduces the raisin meditation, a practice by mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn. Residents mindfully explore and savor a single raisin or craisin, observing its appearance, texture, and scent before eating. This meditation extends to other treats, fostering gratitude and unity by reflecting on the process and people involved in bringing these delights to their plate.

Goals
  1. Emotional Engagement: Cultivate gratitude and appreciation for simple pleasures through mindful eating.
  2. Spiritual Engagement: Foster a sense of unity and connection by reflecting on the origins of the food.
  3. Physical Engagement: Enhance sensory awareness by carefully observing the appearance, texture, and scent of the food.
  4. Social Engagement: Promote a communal atmosphere by sharing reflections on the mindful eating experience.
Procedure
  1. Introduce the raisin meditation concept and its connection to mindfulness.
  2. Provide residents with raisins or craisins and guide them through the mindful eating process.
  3. Encourage residents to carefully observe the food's appearance, texture, and scent before eating.
  4. Extend the practice to other treats like chocolate or fruit slices.
  5. Guide residents to think about the planet, people, and processes involved in bringing the raisin to their plate.
  6. Create a communal discussion space for residents to share their reflections and experiences.
  7. Conclude by emphasizing the value of mindfulness in daily eating habits.
Staffing Requirements
  • 1 staff member.
  • Additional staff/volunteers to assist participants if needed.

Supplies/Resources
  • Raisins or craisins (one per resident).
  • Optional: Additional treats like chocolate or fruit slices.
  • Comfortable seating arrangements.

Risks
  • Allergic Reactions: Be mindful of residents' allergies to specific foods.
  • Choking Hazard: Choose treats that are easy to chew and swallow.
  • Emotional Discomfort: Provide a supportive environment for any emotional responses.

Expected Outcomes
  1. Cultivated gratitude and appreciation for simple pleasures.
  2. Fostered sense of unity and connection through mindful reflection.
  3. Enhanced sensory awareness in residents.
Program Type
Both
Level of Care
All
Dimension of Wellness
Emotional
Social
Spiritual
Physical
Hobbies
Meditation, Eating, Discussions, Mindfulness, Health & Wellness
Images