What do you visualize while kneading?

[Steve Mariotti]

I find that while I stand there doing my traditional prep at the counter with my big pyrex measuring cup and my nylon sack full of soggy kava, as I work the sack under the water and squeeze it, I have a visualization of what I'm actually accomplishing that goes along with the ritual.

Letting it soak there, I picture little dry kava fibers swelling up and getting fat. Because the water's hot, I picture the oily bits inside the wood fibers melting a little and dripping into the water.

When I'm first starting to work the wad (I gotta find a better word than "sack" for that, and wad isn't much better) I picture squeezing all the fat wood chips together, and squishing out some of the oils into the water.

When I wring it out over the bowl, I'm picturing all the fat wood chips in the, er, wad, all crying out at once and then silence.

I really don't know what's going on in there. But having the visuals helps me with the tedium!

 

[kavadude]

I usually visualize that I am watching Netflix on my computer

What's more fun is looking at someone who is kneading kava between their legs and trying to guess exactly what they are doing

 

[wanderingwoodsmith]

I visualize six huge hairy tits swelling up on my back

 

[I don't know]

I like to visual falling down a rabbit hole. Just kidding...I don't knead.(Can we get one of these smileys chugging an Aluball?)

 

[The Kap'n]

I'm going to enjoy making kava just a little bit more tonight. Thank you for that @Steve Mariotti

 

[rayken]

how bad the first shell is going to taste yet how good i will feel

 

[Ligermeat]

how bad the first shell is going to taste yet how good i will feel

Exactly. Having a positive attitude and
Focusing on how awesome the experience will be does wonders, even when choking down the most vile of batches.

 

[Atticus]

The good feelings coming.

 

[VictoryRider]

I visualize what I'd look like if I didn't always knead with my right hand.

 

[Steve Mariotti]

I have to alternate. My forearms get tired.

I also visualize squeezing the ball of roots as squeezing one of these sometimes:

Kava's gonna relieve your stress. You're brewing it right now. So take this chance to release some of your stress into the soggy sack. Punish that damn thing! It makes better kava, and it's a great outlet.

This is the stuff I mean when I talk about traditional prep, kneading and mindfulness.

 

[Capitán Bastos]

I rather not say.

 

[Capitán Bastos]

Ok.

Hillary.

 

[Kojo Douglas]

World peace.

 

[Jeffro]

I visualize the stuff actually dissolving. ..instead of only partially.

 

[ThePiper]

I thought this was a setup for dirty jokes

 

[Ligermeat]

I thought this was a setup for dirty jokes

Dirty people think dirty thoughts.

 

[ThePiper]

Maybe I should stop using pantyhose because it wears out when I punish it with my manhands

 

[yardcat]

My cat. He's a kneader. Likes kneading my soft belly, or comforter, whatever is handy. He does prefer me to wifey, I've got a little more cushion, she is kinda skinny. Was thinking about training him to knead for me but I guess the claws would poke holes on the strainer, plus having to spit out cat hair after downing a shell.

 

[Steph]

I visualize what I'd look like if I didn't always knead with my right hand.


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You gave me my big laugh for today!

 

[nabanga]

I find myself just looking forward to and focusing on the point where I can stop kneading, and strain. It's like cycling up a really long hill and looking forward to the top.