Several years back, I attended my first ever tea meditation. It was led by the gentlest, warmest tea lady I'd ever met, and during our time together, she introduced me to the deep link between tea and mindfulness (spoiler: it's a lot greater than you'd think).
Since then, I’ve attended roughly 50 of her meditation sessions (I'm obsessed) and am now super excited to share my learnings with y’all today. Let's dive in <3
Step 1: Get comfortable
Firstly, you're going to want to find a spot that feels peaceful—a cosy corner, a sunlit nook, or anyplace you don't think you'll be easily distracted. Then, straighten your back, stretch your shoulders, and relax.
Take a sip of lukewarm water to open your senses. Focus on your breathing, allowing each inhale to fill your lungs and each exhale to release any tension. Gently feel yourself sink into the present moment.
Step 2: Choose your tea
Make sure to pick a tea that suits your mood in that moment. For example, if you're feeling heavy-headed on a rainy day, you might want to try a comforting red tea like Da Hong Pao. Or need something a little sweet? Go for Jin Xuan.
The tea you choose can reflect your emotional landscape, so listen to your intuition. Meanwhile, keep every movement slow and purposeful.
Step 3: Heat the water
Prepare your teapot and teaware, ensuring they are clean and ready for use. While the water heats, set your intentions—are you looking for clarity? Calmness? A moment to simply ground yourself? If possible, wash the teaware with the hot water, giving each utensil and cup a slow swill.
Reflect on what you hope to gain from this tea meditation session, and if possible, use a bottle of mist to clear the air and create a serene atmosphere (personally, I boil roses in water and save the liquid in a spray bottle—the scent and routine grounds me for meditation).
Step 4: Pour the water
Once the water is heated, add your leaves to the pot and pour the hot water (or semi-hot water—I always use 80 degrees celsius) over them with gentle reverence. Pause to breathe in the steam and take three deep breaths, envisioning a circle of light expanding from the cup as you do so.
Allow this warmth to grow, spreading to your family, friends, neighbours, and eventually extending to the wider world. Picture this warmth creating a ripple effect of kindness and serenity.
Step 5: Sip the tea
Finally, the moment of truth. As you take your first sip of the tea, still focusing on maintaining gentle, regular breaths, think about several things that you are grateful for. Pay attention to:
The Colour of the Tea: Notice the hues that dance in your cup, from deep amber to vibrant green, and let them inspire you.
The Scent: Inhale deeply, letting the aroma wash over you. Is it floral, earthy, or perhaps a touch sweet?
The Texture of the Cup: Feel the material in your hands, whether it’s smooth porcelain or rustic clay, grounding you in the moment.
The Taste: Let the flavours unfold on your palate—note the initial impact and the lingering aftertaste.
The Mouthfeel: Observe how the tea feels as it glides over your tongue and down your throat, warming you from within.
The Journey of the Liquid: Visualise the tea travelling from your lips to your chest, filling you with warmth and tranquility.
As you sip, name your gratitudes. Start broad: 'I’m grateful for tea.' Then go deeper: 'I’m grateful for the sunlight that nourished the leaves and the person who picked them.' Keep your thoughts anchored to the present by returning to your cup and the sensations it brings.
Closing Your Meditation
When you're done, take a moment to thank the tea and the process that brought it to you. Feel a sense of closure as you bring this practice to an end.
Transition back to your day, carrying the serenity you’ve cultivated during the session. If nothing else, you’ve had a solid 15 minutes where you were entirely present and connected to the world around you.
If you think about it, that might just be the point of everything.
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