Author: Traci Levy

The Power of CommuniTEA

My experience at an online tea event underscored the power of communiTEA–the magic that happens when we connect over tea in community.

I’m going to be real, Tea Friends. I have been struggling a bit. I have been scrambling to catch up–and trying get ahead–in my personal and professional life. An upcoming surgery has me discombobulated. Besides the stress of working more to prepare, fear around that event has been an unwelcome and too-constant companion. It has been really hard to process the fear and to allow space for other feelings.

Sunlight making a powerful light in a glass fairness pitcher full of tea

Meditating with others online helps. The practices I have learned as a meditation teacher help–particularly, to be with and breathe through my emotions. The charity tea event I recently held, Story of a Teacup 2024, also provided an unexpectedly wonderful boost.

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Tea with a Buddhist Sister

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date October 29, 2024
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I was blessed to enjoy a spontaneous session of tea with a Buddhist Sister at a recent mindfulness retreat.

Last weekend, I had a profound experience attending a two-day retreat. Adelphi University, near me, organized a program on its campus with monastics from Blue Cliff Monastery. The monastery “is a mindfulness practice center and monastic training center founded by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, author, and peace activist…Thich Nhat Hanh.”

Image of a green clay teapot, a name tag from a mindfulness retreat that says "Deep Listening, Loving Action," a greeting card that says "Space" in calligraphy and has dried flowers on the front (sold by Blue Cliff Monastery), and a card that says "Peace is every step."

Tags lessons, meditation, mindfulness practice, tea practice

Blog Events

Meet the 2024 Tea-Loving Storytellers

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date October 24, 2024
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The third annual Story of a Teacup Event chariTEA event takes place online on November 17, 2024. Four other tea leavers and I will be having online tea with participants. We will also each share a story about a special piece of teaware from our collections. It’s always a lovely tea-and-empathy-building event. [NOTE: This lovely event has passed. You can read about it here.]

Meet the 2024 tea-loving storytellers!

Photo of all 5 tea-loving storytellers and the host , Traci, of Story of a Teacup 2024.

Blog Tasting Notes

I Drink Tea With My Eyes

You may have heard the saying: we eat first with our eyes. I recently had an experience that underscored that I drink tea with my eyes. But, it’s more complicated than “only” noting the appearance. Let me explain…

I grew up drinking malty black tea with milk. I still really enjoy it from time to time—even more so when the weather gets colder.

Tags lessons

Blog Events

Story of a Teacup 2024 Charitable Fundraiser

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date October 14, 2024
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You are warmly invited to join us at the third annual Story of a Teacup 2024 chariTEA fundraiser! Connect with other tea lovers over tea and stories and support a great cause on Sunday, November 17, 2024, 2-3:30PM ET. [NOTE: This event is passed. It was lovely. Read my takeaway from the event here.]

Story of a Teacup, Hosted by Tea Infusiast. Image: White and gold teacup with two handles and cobalt blue flowers on a burgundy tablecloth

Blog Tasting Notes

Surprise Teas of 2024

I have been thinking over my surprise teas of 2024: the teas that made a big impression on me that weren’t already on my favorites list. The first teas that came to mind were all flavored teas. Historically, I tend to drink a lot more unflavored teas. So, this was quite a surprise!

My surprise standout teas of 2024 so far include:

Vibrant yellow-green Yuzu Matcha Kukicha tea poured from a glass teapot into a white, orange, and blue teacup with purple flowers nearby

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Ideas to Invite Stillness into Your Life

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date September 19, 2024
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I’m sharing some ideas to invite stillness into your life. These tips are for anyone who finds it challenging to meditate or “be still.” Maybe that’s you most of the time. Maybe only sometimes.

Difficulty with being still in meditation is something I have had to tackle in my own practice. My body and mind have often (and continue to, at times) struggle to remain still. For me, part of this challenge is nervous energy and part is physical stiffness.

lotus shaped candle with a still flame in the foreground, tiny lights and white ceramic heart in the background

Two ways of thinking about the challenge really helped me. First, reframe the issue of stillness. Recognize that stillness can be “absolute” or relative.

Secondly, conceptually and physically separating forms of stillness can also be helpful. You can be (relatively) still in body and/or mind. Either and both can be healthy and are worth cultivating.

Here are some ways to invite stillness into your life.

Tags meditation, mindfulness practice, tea practice

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Why Offer a Meditation and Gratitude Series?

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date August 27, 2024
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This post explains how I understand a gratitude practice and why I am offering a meditation and gratitude series that begins on September 13, 2024.

Why a gratitude series?

I avoided starting a gratitude practice for years. I mistakenly believed that consciously embracing gratitude involved denying or downplaying the hard and painful parts of life. In fact, I have heard people talk about gratitude that way. Some have suggested that it trumps or should dissolve most pain and hardship.