Tea meditation | bac massage therapy

Tea Meditation

Continuing my series of blogs highlighting non-traditional meditations, let's look at a tea meditation.

Tea is a drink that has been enjoyed in various forms since as early as 3rd century AD in China, however most of us mindlessly make and drink it.

We have lost the ritual and the sacredness of enjoying a perfect cup of tea from start to finish.

I know that I am bad for making a cup and then walking away, relying on my family to jump when the timer goes off ... yes I set a timer when I brew a cup of tea lol ... or reheating a cup over and over because I have gotten distracted with another task and waked away from a cup completely.

All is not lost though ... what if we brought back the ritual, the mindfulness, the sacredness of a beautiful cup of tea ... what if we tried a tea meditation, even if it is only with one cup a day? What if we slowed down and enjoyed the process from start to finish, from a meditative sense?

What could it hurt to try?

What could you gain?

Relaxation, improved coping ability, less stress, better emotional health ... self-awareness, kindness, compassion, empathy ... improved anxiety, depression, sleep, help calming runaway thoughts ... and so much more!

Sound good?

​Let's give it a try ...

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Tea meditation

1. Start the kettle, then choose your cup ... pick a beautiful cup to hold your sacred tea, or try a clear glass cup so you can watch the colour change as the tea steeps. Need a special cup? Try looking at Avant Garden if you live near Peterborough or at your local Winners or even a thrift store. (Tip - don't choose too large cup a cup at first unless you are ready for a lengthy meditation lol)
2. Select your tea ... make sure it's a good one ... one that you LOVE ... one that you exhale a happy sigh when you take the first sip.
3. Now starts the important part of your meditation ... gazing into your cup. Slowly add the hot water (and if you are like me, start your timer). Observe how the colour swirls through your cup as the tea steeps.
4. What do you smell first?
5. Once your cup is perfectly brewed, sit with it ... cup it in your hands ... how does the cup feel in your hands? Is it warm or hot?
6. Take your first sip ... close your eyes, take a sip, and notice how the flavours burst across your tongue.
7. Slow your breathing ... with each inhale notice the sent of your tea ... with each exhale you feel peace and serenity.
8. Continue until you are down to the last drop.
9. How do you feel?

Now I totally get that performing this type of meditation practice takes more time than some other types do, but I think it is one that is worth embracing ... even if you only do it once a week and practice other meditations through the rest of the week.

I hope you feel inspired to give this meditation a try.

​Have a peaceful week.

PS. Don't forget to give art meditation a try.