Zen Spot #192 — Mindfulness, meditation and the simple bliss of chocolate chip cookies April 17, 2018 00:00


I love chocolate chip cookies. No other dessert or treat comes close. Dozens dream of sliding down my gullet on the way to their demise based on their singular purpose for existence — my pleasure. I am not a benevolent king.

Growing up, my mother bought cookies in a bag — Oreos, Nutter Butter and Chips Ahoy!. My metabolism was so fast, and I was exercising so much, that I could eat a mixing bowl full of vegetables for dinner and chase it with two glasses of milk and an entire bag — easily.

Mining for gold

To my chagrin, profound desire drives my enjoyment. And, while desire clearly leads to suffering, as described by the The Four Noble Truths, I intend to do little to resolve my desire. In fact, I will vigorously embrace it — and probably never let go.

The embrace

I want more chips. Lots more. In most cases, the amount suggested in a recipe should be doubled — and sometimes tripled. Chocolate should delight with every bite. Balance and caution should be thrown to the wind. The Middle Way should be ignored.

Love your cookies. Embrace the desire. Be mindful while baking. The recipe doesn’t matter. Just double the chocolate — or more.

It is possible to find joy and peace.


About DharmaMechanic


What are The Four Noble Truths?

  1. The truth of suffering
  2. The truth of the origin of suffering
  3. The truth of the cessation of suffering
  4. The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering

What is The Noble Eightfold Path?

  1. Right view
  2. Right intention
  3. Right action
  4. Right speech
  5. Right livelihood
  6. Right effort
  7. Right mindfulness
  8. Right concentration

What is a Dharma Wheel?