How to do a Tea Meditation.
Tea. The simplest of beverages that has become entrenched into our daily lives. From first thing in the morning to late into the night, the kettle is always on for a brew in households across the country. It's our go to drink in times of crisis and there is nothing that a nice cup of tea won't solve.
Drinking tea has formed an integral part of important rituals for many different cultures throughout history. Japan, China, Russia and Korea are just a few who all have special tea ceremonies and traditions. One of the most famous tea ceremonies in Chine is the "Gongfu" tea ceremony which can last anything up to 25 minutes with the last step being the actual drinking of the tea. Its name - "Gongfu cha" literally translates into "making tea with skills" reflecting the importance of the ceremonial preparation of the tea.
The popularity of Tea meditations as part of mindful practice is growing across the world and has elevated this humble beverage to an important part of our mental and emotional wellness. Taking time out for a comforting tea meditation every day can bring a sense of connection, of being grounded, peace and gratitude into our daily lives, helping to calm and centre us as well as inviting a moment of stillness and ease into our day.
“Tea is an act complete in its simplicity. When I drink tea, there is only me, and the tea. The rest of the world dissolves. There are no worries about the future. No dwelling on past mistakes. Tea is simple: Loose-leaf tea, hot pure water, a cup. I inhale the scent, tiny delicate pieces of the tea floating above the cup. I drink the tea, the essence of the leaves becoming a part of me. I am informed by the tea, changed. This is the act of life, in one pure moment, and in this act the truth of the world suddenly becomes revealed; all the complexity, pain, drama of life is a pretence, invented in our minds for no good purpose. There is only the tea, and me, converging.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
WHAT IS A TEA MEDITATION?
Tea Meditation is a practice that is over 900 years old! It originated in Japan and is recognised as a form of of Zen meditation (mindfulness and experiencing the present moment). The practice itself centres on being present in the entire process, from making the tea, drinking the tea and being aware of the effects on your mind and body throughout.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TEA MEDITATION?
Most of us are aware of the physical benefits associated with tea drinking - including lowering blood pressure and boosting antioxidants, but tea meditation also has some amazing benefits for our emotional well being too.
- Increased sense of calm and focus.
- Decreased stress and anxiety.
- Improved sleep and mental health.
- Connecting us to the present moment.
- Becoming still and quiet and allowing ourselves the time to just be.
HOW DO YOU DO A TEA MEDITATION ?
The good news is a tea meditation doesn't have to be any more complicated than your usual tea making routine. The only difference is that you will add in an extra layer of mindfulness and intention throughout the process. Instead of simply being a means to an end, you will use the entire process as an opportunity to create a highly sensory and connected experience.
STEP 1: Choose your tea - There are so many options out there from the humble builders brew to the vast array of herbal teas with all their incredible health benefits. Your tea choice may come in a bag or be loose leafed, the choices are endless but the important thing even at this stage is to examine the intention behind your choice. Listen to your body and feel what it needs.
Step 2: Select a vessel - Choosing your cup is another important step, connect with the colours, the look and the feel. Hold and examine the cup in your hand. Notice how it feels, does it hold special memories, is it a dainty tea cup or a giant mug, how does it make you feel. Connect with the sense of anticipation of the wonderful drink you are going to create within it. Choose a cup that speaks to you and your soul.
Step 3: Notice the water boiling - Switch on your kettle and while you wait for the water to boil, find a comfortable position and begin to deepen your breath. As you breathe deeply, notice the sounds of the water as it begins to boil. Pay attention to the changing sound as the water gets closer to the boiling point. This might be a long period of waiting, so notice if any thoughts of impatience arise without any form of judgement. Enjoy the slowness of this process. As the water comes to the boil, see the steam escaping from the kettle, and pay attention to the sounds that indicate the kettle is boiled.
Step 4: Watch the tea transition - It's now time to prepare the tea itself, whether you are using a bag or an infuser, carefully and slowly pour the water in, paying attention to the sound of the water as it passes from the kettle into the cup, teapot or infuser. As you pour, watch the colour of the water change as time passes. See the colour becoming darker. If you take your tea with milk, sugar, or honey, add those in with intention. Think about why you enjoy each addition, and consider carefully how much you really need.
Step 5 - Preparing to drink - Once your tea is ready to drink, it is time to really connect with the joy of the act of drinking. First hold the cup in your hand, feel the warmth, pay attention to the construction of the cup and how it feels in your hand. Notice the physical sensations within your body as you anticipate taking your first sip.
Step 6 - Savour each sip - When you are ready to take that first sip, first take the cup to your nose and take a deep breath in, savour the aroma. Notice what is smells like, feel the heat on your nose. Take your first sip intentionally, allow the tea to sit in your mouth for a moment or two and allow the taste to build. Take note of what it tastes like. Allow the tea to spread across your tongue and then follow its journey as you swallow, all the way down into your tummy. Connect with all of the physical and emotional sensations as it nourishes you.
Step 7 - Enjoy the process - As you continue to slowly sip your tea, take notice of where you are and feel into the sense of being completely grounded. Notice all of the points that your body is connected to the ground. Pay attention to the speed at which you drink the tea and if necessary and without judgement slow it down. Connect in with why you may feel the urge to hurry and acknowledge these thoughts. Notice the change in the temperature of your tea as time passes and any changes in the taste, the aroma etc.
Step 8 - Finish with gratitude - As you finish your tea, take a moment to express gratitude for this time that you have had.
Tea meditation is the perfect daily practice for connecting with yourself fully and reminding ourselves to be present in our busy lives, so why not give it a go?
A quick side note: If you are interested in trying out a tea meditation and are looking for some beautiful artisan tea blends, made with 100% natural ingredients then please do check out my on line shop, The Little Shop of Soul. The blends have been specifically selected for their benefits to our Chakras, so check out our range. Visit the shop here.
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