Photo by Pixabay Rituals are important to joy and staying centered in a world out of balance.
Our daily morning coffee-making ritual can help us to be centered and joyous for the day. One of the ways that I’m staying more centered in the age of coronavirus is by preparing my morning coffee from a local, small-batch roaster.
One of America’s most important small-batch coffee roasters is Aharon Vaknin. Considered a up-and-coming master by his peers, Aharon and his wife Batsheva operate Aharon’s Coffee and Roasting Co. in Beverly Hills. The boutique roaster has a strong local following, worldly coffee offerings, and a friendly healthy-organic vibe.
Aharon is devoted to “The Joy of Coffee”. For Aharon, coffee is not simply a means to a caffeine buzz. Rather, his ritual preparation of morning coffee takes on a spiritual significance. If you have a chance, watch Aharon prepare a cup of coffee. You will never look at this simple act the same way.
A Small Business That’s Still in Business
Worried that the coronavirus might put small businesses like Aharon’s in jeopardy, I headed over to his shop soon after the lockdown started. I grabbed a bag of AM organic Roast, something from Columbia, and a heritage coffee from Ethiopia. I ran back over to Aharon’s recently to restock. Thankfully, Aharon and Batsheva have managed to stay in businesses, adapting to the new reality and expanding their customer base.
Coffee transformed the world, and plays a special role in many our lives. For me, coffee in the morning is one of ways that I greet that day, right after my “modeh any l’fanecha” giving thanks to God, and saying good morning to my wife. Rachel and I have been sitting down and enjoying our morning coffee together for nearly a quarter century. During that times, our tastes have changed but our love for morning joe has not abated.
Small details and rituals in our daily lives are a critical part of maintaining our equilibrium during times of stress. Our state of mind on any given day can often be attributed to how we spend the first part of that day. For my wife and I, the ritual of preparing a fresh cup of coffee before our exercise and prayers has only taken on more meaning during this pandemic. We are truly grateful for every morning that we can greet the new day and “toast l’chaim” with Aharon’s made-with-love coffee.
Rituals in Your Morning
Coffee isn’t the only way that we can start our days. What rituals help you stay centered and balanced in this every more complex and challenging world of the coronavirus era? We would love to hear from you! Please send in your questions and comments here.
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