As we step into a new year, many of us carry over the hurried pace of the last, diving straight into endless plans and responsibilities. But at Reverie, we’re challenging ourselves to take a different approach. This year, our focus is on creating experiences that allow you to unplug, step away from the noise, and truly savour the present moment.
We’ve already taken the first step with the launch of our Vietnamese Ceremony class. This unique experience, combined with a short meditation, is designed to help participants pause, breathe, and bring their full awareness into the room before the cooking begins. Watching people transition from frazzled to calm, their laughter growing louder as the evening unfolded, reminded us of a simple truth: we need more moments like this.
Autopilot mode: Why we miss life as it happens
If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a meal without tasting a bite or driving home without remembering the route, you’ve experienced the brain’s “autopilot mode.” Studies suggest that 47% of our waking hours are spent in this state – where we’re physically present but mentally elsewhere. This automatic behaviour may save energy for the brain, but it comes at a cost.
When we live on autopilot, we overlook the beauty and small joys around us. Worse still, research shows it can lead to increased stress, lower emotional satisfaction, and even burnout. Winter exacerbates this problem as shorter days and colder weather often push us into routines that feel repetitive and isolating.
The good news? Awareness can counterbalance these effects. Studies have found that practicing mindfulness – even for as little as 10 minutes a day – can reduce stress by 28%, improve focus, and boost overall happiness. Mindfulness doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. It’s about anchoring your attention to the present moment, whether you’re drinking tea, preparing a meal, or sharing a conversation.
How we’re bringing awareness to the table
At Reverie, we see cooking as one of the most powerful tools for practising mindfulness. Think about it: the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the vibrant colours of fresh herbs, the gentle simmer of a broth – these sensory experiences are naturally grounding when we let ourselves fully engage with them.
This inspired our Vietnamese Ceremony class, where we start with a guided meditation to bring everyone into the room, away from their busy thoughts. Participants are encouraged to notice their breathing, the sounds around them, and the feeling of their feet on the floor. Only then do we move into cooking, where the focus shifts to each ingredient, each step of the process, and the connections built through shared effort.
The transformation is tangible. Guests who arrive tense and distracted soon find themselves laughing over shared mistakes, savouring the aroma of their dishes, and engaging in meaningful conversations. These moments of awareness don’t just create better meals – they foster deeper connections with ourselves and others.
Why awareness matters, especially in winter
Winter is often a challenging season for mental health. The shorter days and grey skies can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that affects an estimated 10-20% of people globally to varying degrees. Even those without SAD may feel more sluggish, less motivated, and prone to stress.
Mindfulness offers a way to combat these winter blues. Studies show that cultivating awareness can:
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Improve sleep: Mindfulness reduces racing thoughts that keep us awake at night, leading to better rest and more energy.
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Lower anxiety: Awareness helps us focus on what we can control, reducing the overwhelm that often accompanies stress.
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Enhance gratitude: By noticing small, positive moments, we train our brains to see the good, even in darker seasons.
Cooking, in particular, is a wonderful way to integrate these benefits into daily life. The act of creating something nourishing, paired with the social aspect of sharing a meal, naturally fosters connection and calm.
Simple ways to practise awareness
We know life can be busy, and finding time for mindfulness might feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some small steps you can try today:
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Breathe before meals: Take three deep breaths before starting your meal. Notice the colours, smells, and textures of your food.
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Engage your senses while cooking: Pay attention to the crackle of oil in a pan, the coolness of fresh vegetables, or the aroma of spices. Let these sensations anchor you to the moment.
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Create rituals: Light a candle, play soft music, or say a few words of gratitude before starting your day or winding down.
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Unplug during meals: Turn off screens and focus on the experience of eating. Notice the flavours, textures, and how the food makes you feel.
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Start a winter gratitude practice: Write down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day. They don’t have to be big – even a warm cup of tea counts.
Our commitment to awareness in 2025
For us, this focus on awareness is about more than just our classes – it’s a shift in how we approach life and work. As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, constantly thinking ahead to the next project. But this year, we’re committing to slowing down, staying present, and leading by example.
Our vision for 2025 is to expand the spaces we create for people to unplug and reconnect. Whether it’s through more ceremony-inspired classes, sensory cooking workshops, or simply weaving moments of mindfulness into everything we do, we want to help you find calm amidst the chaos.
A final thought
Life is full of beautiful, fleeting moments that are easy to miss when we’re rushing through our days. By stepping out of autopilot and into awareness, we can rediscover the joy of simple things – the smell of fresh herbs, the sound of laughter in a kitchen, or the satisfaction of a well-cooked meal.
So here’s to a new year of slowing down, showing up, and savouring life’s little joys. We can’t wait to welcome you to one of our classes and share these mindful moments together.