Ever wonder what people mean when they refer to “mindful tea” or a “mindful tea session?” This post shares one vision of what that could look like.
You carve out 10 minutes. Or 20 minutes. Or 30.
Imagine sitting down in front of your tea things with resources to help you have a convenient, restful, and mindful tea session. Or, you just have your cup of tea.
Maybe the sun is streaming through a nearby window. Maybe the rain is sliding down it.
Perhaps you’ve arranged your tea space with intention. A smooth rock from a beach vacation is next to your teacup. Blooming flowers are nearby, as is your journal.
You try a grounding practice to settle into the moment. “It helps,” you marvel, as you notice your muscles relax a bit.
You steep and enjoy a peaceful tea time, using a mindful tea suggestion from a tea and meditation teacher. The suggestion gives you an anchor point, helping you feel more connected to your tea and present in the moment. You feel a little calmer, a little more centered.
Some days, you choose a curated sound experience to listen to while you sip your tea. The music amplifies the experience.
When the time is right, you pause and consult a journal prompt. It inspires you to jot down your thoughts. Afterwards, you exhale and smile, feeling restored.
This scenario is one iteration of what it could mean to have a mindful tea session. There are a million ways to adjust and personalize it. And, the busier you are, the more important it is to take time for it. I know! It feels a bit counterintuitive. (I’ve written about the need to pause here.)
I drink my tea like this regularly. It’s one of my rest practices and mindfulness anchors. It really does bring me a sense of peace, rest, and presence. There’s a reason Buddhist monks have been using tea as part of their mindfulness practices for centuries! It helps to realize the truth in the words: present moment, beautiful moment.
If mindful tea time sounds interesting to you, maybe you’d like some inspiration and resources. I’ve create Rest Kits for Tea Lovers. My Spring Rest Kit for Tea Lovers is currently available.