My Spiritual Experience with Coffee
Recently, at the invitation of a close friend, who owns a small coffee estate, I embarked on a new experience of picking, drying, shelling, roasting, grinding and brewing my coffee. I can only describe the experience as spiritual. It was a deeply personal encounter that connected me with something much greater than myself, a connection with the divine, that evoked feelings of awe, wonder, peace and a sense of unity with nature. I was introduced to a ritual and practice that evolved over centuries from the mythical goat herder who discovered the plant in Ethiopia to today’s global industry. It allowed me to appreciate the millions who grow and brew coffee on a peasant and artisanal scale. It awakened within me a deep interior connection with many of my ancestors who made a living as cocoa panyols.
The experience allowed me to find solace in the simple pleasures of life that can bring us closer to our inner selves. Beyond the delightful aroma and taste, the process became a journey fostering mindfulness and introspection. I appreciated the cycle of growth of the plant and God’s bountiful gifts. Picking the ripe cherries off the branches, I felt the touch of the branches and leaves, the tenderness of the red fruit and the scent of the tree and surroundings.
There is a ritual of drying the coffee, in the sun, on rough bags, bringing them in from the rain, until they become small black brittle skinned berries. Then shelling them using an old, hand turned, shelling machine followed by picking out the exposed beans from the chaff. As I did this I reflected on the Bible passage Matthew 3:12 of separating the wheat from the chaff and gathering the wheat into his barn. The beans are then roasted over a medium fire and cooled, ground in a small mortar and pestle, before they are ready to be brewed. The art of roasting coffee is not merely about following a recipe; it is a moment of mindfulness and intentionality. As I ground the beans, poured hot water over them, and inhaled the aromatic steam rising from the cup, I became fully present in the moment. The repetitive actions and the focus required to create a good brew is meditative, allowing my mind to quiet and my spirit to awaken. Each step in the brewing process became an opportunity to cultivate a sense of mindfulness, gratitude, and deep appreciation for the sensory experience.
The ritual brought spiritual meaning to my daily routine. It allowed me to infuse intention and reflection into the process. I took a moment to pause, offer gratitude for the journey from plant to cup, and set my intentions for the day ahead. As I savored the first sip, I allowed the warmth and flavor to awaken my senses, promoting a sense of clarity and inner stillness. It served as a gateway to self-reflection, introspection, and an opportunity to align my actions with my spiritual aspirations for the day ahead.
