Tea Rituals
Two of my favorite things.
Tea + Rituals.
I appreciate how rituals help commemorate beginnings and endings. Transitions and milestones.
As big as beginning a new chapter in life. Or just a new day.
Rituals are a reminder to slow down. And notice what’s happening. They are a hidden mindfulness practice. Bringing you into the present moment.
Since tea is one of my favorite (and most frequent) rituals, I wanted to share a few options that I love. Try them out and see if any resonate with you!
Connect to the Origins
Travel, and especially solo travel, has led to some of my most treasured memories. And unsurprisingly to those who know me best, I’ve often combined solo travel and tea. I’ve specifically gone to places where tea has a rich history (and a never-ending supply of these special leaves).
Morocco for their sugary mint tea + hospitality
Peru for bucket list treks with coca tea all along the way
Azores Islands for solo hikes on tea farms during harvest
I always bring some of my favorite tea back with me. Or maybe a mug. A tangible reminder of my experiences. Now, even when I’m sitting in my cozy tea space in Denver, I can be easily transported back to the Inca Trail or up to Seattle with my Kurt Cobain mug.
These reminders are a portal to who I was on each of those trips. They help me to connect with past versions of myself. They help me connect with what I want to keep alive in me from each of those experiences. Integration of all that I’ve gained from travel.
Grounding with 5 Senses
Our senses are in the present moment. Even when our brain is back in the past, worrying about something you said last week. Or stuck in the future, worrying about a difficult conversation you need to have.
Tea can be a fun and practical way to connect to your 5 senses. Next time you’re ready for a mug of tea, I invite you to slow down. And make it a sensory experience.
Close your eyes as the water begins to warm in the kettle. Wait and listen for the roar of the boiling water (and maybe the whistle that lets you know it’s time to begin).
When it’s time, feel the kettle handle in one hand, mug in another.
Watch as the water pours into your mug, darkening as soon as it connects with the tea bag.
Close your eyes again and smell your tea as it steeps.
Finally… it’s time for taste. Slowly sip your tea and enjoy.
Tea’s motto: go slow; get curious.
Intentions Tea
Regardless of the inconsistent data on exactly how much the human body is comprised of water… one thing is clear, it’s a lot. In The True Power of Water: Healing and Discovering Ourselves, the author explores research into the effects of speaking different things to water (think: HATE, LOVE, WORRY, GRATITUDE, etc). Studying the ice crystals of the water as well as the impact on the plants watered with different water. TLDR: There’s a difference based on the words and intentions spoken to the water.
You can bring this idea into your daily routine.
After your tea is steeped and you’re ready for your first sip. Take a moment and speak your intentions for the day into the tea water. Use your vocal cords to express what you’re grateful for or how you want to show up in your life today.
I’d love to hear what happens when you try out one (or all!!) of these tea rituals!
