Years ago, I learned that a bit of something sweet, such as a banana, can have a magical effect on highlighting that yummy coffee taste coffee connoisseurs know and love. My friend and I stumbled upon this accidentally when our usual latte from Barney Barista-and-coffee-roaster-extraordinaire tasted 10x more yummy. This was the morning we indulged on bananas while we were waiting for him to procure it. We inquired if there was a change in the beans. He said no. Then he noticed the banana peel and shared the secret with us. I believe it primes the taste buds or something like that.
Generally, I drink my morning espresso on an empty stomach. Drinking anything before my morning yoga is a break from traditional Ashtanga practice. I, however, find that I am not ready to let go of my four little sips of good-morning-goodness. And so I continue to have my little cup of espresso each morning before I get moving.
It’s a treat, just as the morning kiss I get from my love. On the few days when he is absent, my coffee is good — but perhaps not quite as good as if it was delivered to my sleepy self accompanied by his sunny smile and sweet kiss.
Now I realize that there are days when our loved ones are nothing but sunny and sweet. I mean, maybe one day they are simply not there for some reason. Of course they are always sunny and sweet. Aren’t we all? Perhaps they had to go to work extra early or are away on business. Well, rest assured, all is not lost.
This morning, I was feeling oddly out of sorts in the most fatigued sort of way. I sat at my desk trying to stay present to my task at hand. Thinking back to the wee hours of the day, when I stood on my mat exhausted and sore from a weekend yoga intensive, wondering if I should crawl back in bed. Of course, I didn’t. Although I felt too tired for my practice, I did it anyway. I used this bit to get me through the morning.
Just before noon, I ate my lunch then retreated to a nearby park to nap in my car for the remainder of the lunch hour. Power naps are not something I am accustomed to as it generally takes me an hour just to fall asleep each night.
Today was different. I lifted my steering wheel, reclined my seat, and curled up on my side. My body immediately let go and I drifted off, half noticing people bidding each other farewell, kids screaming in protest of leaving, and a few even noticing the woman sleeping in her car.
I did not let any of the distractions pull me from my sleep; I stayed with it and enjoyed the blissful state I’d inhabited.
I short while later, I awoke with a numb leg and a bout of post-power-nap fog. So I drove to the coffee shop for a cappuccino which was served up with a lovely heart. The creamy bit of steamed milk was yummy but I wondered if I should have ordered an espresso instead. I walked past my boss’ desk and selected a single dark chocolate kiss that she’d put out for everyone. I LOVE dark chocolate and, because of that little bit of sweetness, I loved my cappuccino even more.
Still, I’m certain that a kiss (even a virtual one) from my sweetie would have been even better.