It’s amazing how calming simply drinking a cup of tea can be.
We’ve joked in our house about the same scenario playing out- having the intention to sit down and drink a cup of tea- but after pouring it, getting busy doing things while it’s cooling down… and then by the time we get back to it the tea is cold. Sound familiar? We say someday we’ll actually sit down and drink tea that is warm!
Lately I’ve been making a point to brew some tea in the morning, and then sit down and enjoy it. Being patient while the tea cools is part of what helps make the whole experience so relaxing. It forces me to slow down. I breathe deeply. I watch the steam rise. I hold the warm mug in my hands, and breathe in the scent. Sometimes I light a candle, and watch the flames.
I slow down, sip, and savor. I soak up the quiet of the early morning, and savor that like I savor the tea.
I think it’s really easy to fall into believing we’re “too busy” to slow down in these simple ways. I have a hard time relaxing sometimes, feeling the need to be busy and to be getting things done constantly, often getting up early and starting work right away, to get some solid work time in from the very start of the day. But lately I’ve been shifting, having the intention to appreciate a little quiet time to myself before immediately diving into the day.
This challenges me because I’ve noticed how I feel guilty when I’m not using my time to “accomplish” something. My feelings of guilt around taking that time for myself, show me how much I need it.
Drinking tea is becoming part of my morning ritual. It feels like pausing, taking a breath, and beginning my day with more intention and focus.
Mornings might not be the ideal time for you to slow down for a cup of tea, or drinking tea might not be your thing, but finding little pockets of time in our day for self-care is something that can nourish us so deeply. Taking a break from screens, and to-do lists, and the constant go go go of every day life- even if the break is a short one- can be so regenerating, and such a kindness to ourselves.
This reminded me to make a cup of tea! I’m currently sipping it during a well-deserved tea break in my morning, appreciating the reminder that slowing down creates such goodness and vitality for the not-slow moments.
I’m so glad you had your tea break Elizabeth, and I love what you said “slowing down creates such goodness and vitality for the not-slow moments.” So true!!
Just what i needed to read right now, i feel calmer just for reading about stopping to savour a hot cup of tea!
I’m so glad! 🙂
My husband and I have done a few sabbatical in New Zealand. It didn’t take him too long to begin looking forward to tea time at 10 and 2. He said it was a great time to take a break and catch up with colleagues. He wishes they’d do it at his university.
Glad you’re enjoying the ritual of tea time. I’ve got a pot of Kheer Chai from our local tea shop brewing right now, the house smells heavenly.
I love that Diana! Thank you for sharing!