Medi-tea-tion
Achieving an inner peace and calm through meditation can be done using a variety of techniques. A few of my favorites include:
Focus meditation: Engaging the senses to increase focus. This could be concentrating on a single point or counting breaths.
Movement meditation: Concentrating on one’s body movements. A classic example is tai chi.
Visualization meditation: Picturing a calm or positive scene. For example, listening to ocean sounds and imagining the crashing waves breaking on a sandy beach.
A tea meditation session brings together many of these techniques and, for those who find it hard to sit still or quiet the mind (myself included), it offers an accessible entry into meditation.
To start, find a quiet space to set up your teaware. It could be at a table or seated on the floor, wherever you are most comfortable. Your choice of teaware is also based on your preferences and should be something that feels natural, almost instinctive, for you to use. Gather your tea, hot water, and then settle into a comfortable seated position.
If you’re using an electric kettle, close your eyes and listen to the water slowly energize from a quiet hum to a roaring bubble. If you heated your water on the stove, start by slowly pouring water into your brewing vessel. Focus on the stream of water flowing into the cup. Notice how the leaves swirl in the teapot and then slowly settle. If your brewing vessel is clear, focus on the leaves as they expand in the water. If not, take a moment to concentrate on your breathing as the leaves steep.
Once your tea is ready, pour into your cup and pause to take in the smell. Take your first sip, noticing how the tea feels in your mouth. Is it light, silky, velvety, dry, or something else? Close your eyes and see what flavors come to mind. Does it remind you of a smokey fire, earthy forest or misty mountaintop? Picture the environment in which the tea may have grown. What does that place look like? What are the sounds of this environment?
Now turn your attention to how the tea makes your body feel. Does it energize you, is it calming, does it warm your throat and stomach? Drink at your own pace, changing your focus naturally from one sensation to the next. If your mind starts to wonder don’t worry, just finish the thought and then redirect back to your teacup.
Resteep, repeat, and relax.