Hot & Steamy

The Simple Joy of Drinking Tea

I don't know what it is about drinking tea. It transforms me. I sit...I sip... my senses awaken. I draw the cup close to my face and I am greeted with aromatic delightfulness and steamy warmth. Drinking tea makes me want to ease back into an oversized chair and write poetically. I become more contemplative and reflective...more open minded, perhaps. It's such a peaceful experience.

I like that there seems to be a tea for every condition. In less than a happy mood? There's a tea for that. Sore throat? There's a tea for that. Tired, stressed or unfocused? There's a tea for that.

Drinking tea can be a part of a daily ritual ...formal or informal. Years ago, a friend and I made part of our nightly routine a 75 minute "power walk and talk" where we would recap the happenings of our entire day. Afterwards, we would continue to unwind with her infamous fat free chocolate chip cookies and a cup of herbal tea. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day. I felt totally released.

Meditation and Tea

As with almost any activity, you can bring a meditative essence to drinking tea. Similiar to the walking meditation, you are balancing your inner world with the outer world. Since teas offer a variety of benefits, choose a tea that will give you the benefits you are looking to get. Perhaps in the morning you choose a tea that is stimulating and invigorating and at night you choose a tea with calming and relaxing benefits.

Instead of rushing the process and heating water in the microwave, get your tea pot out and boil the water the "old-fashioned" way. Choose a special cup that you enjoy drinking out of...one that perhaps has an artistic design or an inspirational message.

Once the tea is brewed and poured, hold the cup in your hands for a few moments and feel the warmth. Draw the cup closer to your face, inhaling the steam and it's aromatic scent. Slowly sip and pause in between. Tune into the myriad of sensations that you feel. What thoughts arise?

If you are so inspired, grab your journal and write down a few thoughts...or grab a book and read a few excerpts.

Enjoy the process...