How To Do A Tea Ritual
Tea rituals for well-being and self-care
Self care is vital for our mental and emotional well being. Tea rituals are an essential part of this as it allows us to connect with our innermost thoughts and emotions, being present in the moment with ourselves.
Making time for a tea ritual helps to calm you, resetting your level of awareness and shifts your consciousness. Little time is needed for a tea ritual and it is much more than just pouring and drinking a beverage. It gives you time to connect mindfully with yourself. It helps you to release stress, tension and any pent up emotions. You can do this once or several times across a day depending on your schedule and stress levels. For example, in the morning when you wake up, tea breaks at work or before picking up the kids, in the evenings or before bed time. Use this time to slow down and make yourself a priority! You are worth it! Think positive thoughts and be in appreciation of all the good in your life.
You may use a special cup that has significant meaning to you, a gift from a loved one and use this time to remember that person or use the ritual to reflect on shared moments.
How to set up a tea ritual
1.Use tea wares that have significance and are meaningful to you.
This may include pieces that reflect your cultural history, or the traditional methods of celebrating tea in ancient cultures such as Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, Indian etc.
You may use a special cup that has significant meaning to you, a gift from a loved one or you may have heirlooms passed down through the family, or purchased during your travel adventures. You make them special as part of your tea ritual.
2. Timing and the right type of tea for your intention
Choose a time, or identify a number of times across the day when you think the ritual will be most beneficial. Focus on the moment and be able to set your intention and achieve the outcome you want from the ritual.
You may choose a tea ritual in the morning to kick-start the day, for example, use the “Pocket Rocket” herbal tisane for your energetic intention, or take the “The Thinker” blend in the afternoon for a breather, or boost in concentration, or “The Dreamer” blend in the evening to wind down and take time to reflect on the day to relax before going to sleep.
Choose good quality tea and use loose leaves from the Tisane Premium Tea range. The multiple steps in preparing tea with loose leaves create a better tea ritual. Measure the required amount (2 heaped teaspoons) in a pot, pour boiled water and let them steep. Pour from the pot (use a strainer if desired) into your special cup. Sit down in a comfortable chair, hold the cup in both hands, feel the warmth and be completely present in the moment.
3. Flexibility
We lead such busy lives and while there is regularity in rituals, we need to be flexible. Don’t beat yourself up if things are not structured; if you have to skip a tea ritual or shift it to fit in with a changing schedule, that’s ok, just go with the flow.
Remember the point of this is to check in with yourself, not give yourself more things to accomplish and any add extra pressure to your day. Don’t be too attached to your rituals.
Useful tips for your tea ritual
Your tea ritual is meaningful and unique to you. It can be as personal and powerful as you want it to be. Finding mindfulness in a tea ritual is different for everyone. The following can help you get the full benefit from your tea ritual:
- Music (soothing, meditative type)
- Scent (incense, essential oils…)
- Light (natural light, soft lighting from candles/lamps)
- Have a particular comfortable seat or cushion that you sit on
- Look out on a particular view
Finding calm and presence through tea rituals:
It needn’t take a big chunk out of your day, but establishing the time for a daily tea ritual can give you so much back.
If we continually put off taking breaks we will burn out. Studies show that small, regular moments of self-care carry a much greater effect than big moments like important celebrations or annual holidays.
A daily tea ritual is a reminder that you are worthy. It is a reminder to slow down and connect with you, to process your thoughts and feelings before they get a chance to spin out of control. It is an indulgence and a reward that costs little and yet provides so much more.
Happy tea drinking!
