Anything can be a moving meditation, from dance, to yoga, to labyrinth walking. Tea is my moving meditation. Just taking the time to brew a cup of tea mindfully can quiet my mental chatter and help me tune into the present moment.
How to Meditate With Tea
Boil Water.
It turns out, a watched pot does boil! Simply sit, and watch the water boil. Notice your breath as you sit there. How does it feel as you inhale the steam from the pot? Inhale and exhale as if each breath is cleansing your lungs and your mind.
Steep.
Just sit there and let yourself steep in the moment, while the tea leaves steep in water. Continue to focus on your breath. If your mind starts to wander, think of three things you’re grateful for, right now. Savor the quiet, and relax into it.
Pour.
Before you even taste the tea, consume it with all of your other senses. Listen to the tea pouring into the cup like a bubbling brook. Appreciate the rich, deep color of the liquor. Feel the weight and warmth of the teacup in your hands. And inhale the complex aromas. What does the scent remind you of? Honey? Grass? A forest after the rain? Tobacco?
Drink.
Sip your tea like it’s the first cup of tea you’ve ever tasted. Offer gratitude to the tea, and to yourself for taking the time to practice awareness.
Your tea meditation doesn’t have to be long; just take five minutes in the morning, or whenever you need a break. And if you’re not sure how to get started with tea, check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Tea.
Boil, steep, pour, drink. Tea is approachable in its simplicity, yet so deep, it can take a lifetime to explore.