Readying for holiday feasting with mindfulness

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Ron Barber. Courtesy photo.


KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Retired professional chef, Ron Barber, will be the guest presenter at this month's Companion Circle at A Positive Light Center for Spiritual Awakening, 6470 Kelsey Creek Drive in Kelseyville.

This educational and social gathering hosted by local mindfulness teacher JoAnn Saccato, MA, is Monday, Nov. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public.

Barber will be presenting on mindfulness of taste just in time for the sumptuous holiday season.

"For many of us, eating has become something we do automatically, rarely being aware of the flavors and textures of the food we are eating," he explained. "Multitasking during meals has become common in our present day culture and we're missing out on a lot!"

Retired and now living in Kelseyville, Barber worked as a professional restaurant and winery chef for over twenty years in the Napa and Sonoma valleys.

He shared his culinary expertise at restaurants including The Girl & the Fig Restaurant, The Sonoma Mission Inn, Domaine Chandon, Beringer Wine Estates and St. Supery Vineyards & Winery. "This is where I really developed and fine-tuned my sense of taste," he noted.

"I've combined my intrigue with flavor mixing and tasting with my own daily mindfulness practice," Barber went on to say, "which has led to a deeper appreciation for the whole eating experience. I'm really excited to share this passion with others through this event!"

During his presentation, participants will focus on tasting food items prepared by Barber in a mindful fashion, concentrating on the sight, texture, flavors, and even the sound of the foods sampled.

"Bringing a mindful awareness to our eating helps us reduce the potential discomfort and weight gain from overeating without sacrificing our enjoyment," added Saccato. "In fact, our pleasure during the holidays can be increased manifold with a mindful approach."

Companion Circles are monthly gatherings for those curious about or committed to a mindfulness practice.

The Circles occur on the third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The evening includes a guided mindfulness exercise, question and answer period, social mingling and the evening's presentation.

Attendees are invited to wear comfortable clothing. Optionally, guests can bring a simple finger food to share. Tea and water are served. There is a suggested donation of $10, though, no one is turned away for lack of funds.

For more information on the Companion Circles, visit www.MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com or call 707-350-1719.