TEA RITUAL - INFUSING MAGIC WITH MINDFULNESS
Tea rituals are a great way to incorporate mindfulness in to your daily routine. Below is a copy of the 4 step guide to carrying out your own Tea Ritual, that we shared in Spirit Destiny Magazine.
1- Preparation
2- Infusion Ritual
3- Mindful drinking
4- Reflect & journal
Tea rituals have been used for centuries throughout different cultures.
They allow us a way to craft a personal ritual to experience magic in the every day. They give us the opportunity to honour the elements of earth, air, fire and water, retreat within and connect to our heart space and infuse magic with mindfulness- A powerful combination.
Being mindful & staying in the present moment- helps with modern day life as it's easy to build in to our every day routine, but gives us that centre of calm that we need. A great way to take a break from our busy lives.
They allow us to connect with nature, gain clarity, healing & wisdom.
The Steps
1- Preparation
Your mindful tea ritual starts choosing the perfect cup. Select one that holds significant meaning. Perhaps you own one that has significant meaning, belonged to a relative, was given to you as a gift or maybe you would like to purchase a special one for the purpose. Keep the cup in a dedicated place, one that helps you treat your tea ritual as a sacred time- I keep mine on my altar.
It can Also be a nice idea to keep your brewing kit near to your cup in a special box. I also have a beautiful silver spoon that used to belong to my Grandma, which I use in part of the ritual.
Select the tea that you wish to use. I like working with loose leaf tea. You could also store different teas within your brewing box. Ensure that you know the correct way to infuse your tea- certain herbal teas require longer steeping time.
You may also wish to consider some relaxing music, incense or essential oils, candles, or even a perhaps a specific cushion that you will sit on. This is your own personal ritual and you can craft it how you like.
2- Infusion
Whilst the tea infuses, set your intention for the ritual. For example some people like to have a tea ritual in the morning, and visualise a successful and productive day with energetic intention. Other examples include an evening bedtime ritual, to help reflect and visualise yourself falling soundly to sleep, or perhaps you may want to simply meditate on what you are grateful for. The possibilities are endless. Pay attention to how you are feeling, and any thoughts or sensations that come up.
Enjoy the magical weaving of the water and herbs, as the tea infuses. Take your time, and enjoy this process, being mindful of the ritual. The preparing, pouring, infusing, stirring and smelling are all a part of the journey and our reminder to slow down.
3- Mindful Drinking
Before you begin drinking, take a moment to honour the elements and give thanks to them for working in harmony to bring you this gift of beautiful tea. To fire - (who traditionally) provided the heat needed to boil the water, to the earth- for providing and growing the herbs that support your intentions so well, to water- who so magically infuses the herbs and provides you with a way to drink the medicine and to the air- who’s gift allows your senses to savour the aroma of the herbs, as well as releasing your intentions to the universe.
Give thanks to the cup pf tea and appreciate the wonder of all of these elements working together in balance, so that you could experience this wonderful cup of tea.
Pay attention to the tea leaves as the water changes colour whilst it infuses with the magic of the herbs.
Savour the moment and sit with those feelings for a moment, before you begin drinking.
Sip your tea mindfully and consciously. Feel the warmth of the cup as you hold it, allow the aroma to float around you and feel the water as you sip. Another idea is to be mindful of any movement. For example, the movement of your arm as you take a sip, your breathing in between sips and the swallowing of the tea.
Stay mindful as you drink. If you find your mind wander, simply return it with loving kindness to tea drinking.
4 Reflect & journal
Once finished give thanks to the ritual for allowing you the opportunity to slow down and relax.
Set aside some for after you have finished drinking. Reflect and journal any thoughts or feeling that come up.
If you work with tarot or oracle cards, this is also a nice opportunity to draw one.
Ingredients
Meditation Blend
The best camomile evokes the essence of a summer meadow: floral, uplifting and with a breezy scent that calms the spirit.
The notes of lemon and lavender will give freshness to the relaxing mix. It is a favourite of The Ki Retreat, one that we often use in our Meditation Tea circles, and has become our signature blend.
USE: 4 grams per 200 ml at 95ºC for 5-10 minutes standing
Chamomile, yarrow, St. John's wort, lavender, lemon balm, lapacho, hawthorn, passionflower, aroma
Serenity Blend
The mixture of green tea and mint make it purifying and eliminate excess waste and liquids, making it the ideal choice for detoxing . It is an antioxidant, that is, it strengthens the immune system and helps the proper functioning of cells.
USE: 2-3 grams per 200 ml at 70ºC-80ºC and let stand for 3-4 minutes.
Gunpowder green tea (61.5%), mint, rose petals, mallow, aroma
Rest & Relaxation Blend
The perfect partnership of soothing Rooibos and aromatic lavender, apple and orange. It’s a wonderfully warming infusion that helps you to both relax and rejuvenate after a hard day.
Rooibos tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and muscle relaxant properties which are vital to keep the body healthy.
USE: 2-3 grams per 200 ml at 95ºC and let stand for 4-5 minutes.
Rooibos (81.0%), apple (apples (approx. 97.5%), salt, citric acid E 330, optional ascorbic acid E 300, valerian, orange blossom, lavender, mallow, blue cornflower, safflower,
Rejuvenation Blend
The Sencha & Pai Mu Tan White Tea is a fresh tasting tea blending the smooth, sweet taste of Sencha Green Tea with the subtle, apple & cinnamon sweetness.
In addition to increasing metabolism, white tea is beneficial in numerous ways. These include improving skin and hair health, keeping the heart healthy and improving oral health.
USE: 2 grams per 200 ml at 65ºC-75ºC and let stand for 5-8 minutes.
Sencha green tea, Pai Mu Tan white tea (30.0%), chopped cinnamon, cinnamon, apple (apples (approx. 97.5%), salt, citric acid E 330, optional ascorbic acid E 300), rolled ALMOND, aroma
ALLERGY INFO: Please note, all teas may contain traces of Gluten, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Milk, Nuts, Seasame grains & Sulphites.
The best camomile evokes the essence of a summer meadow: floral, uplifting and with a breezy scent that calms the spirit.
The notes of lemon and lavender will give freshness to the relaxing mix. It is a favourite of The Ki Retreat, one that we often use in our Meditation Tea circles, and has become our signature blend.
USE: 4 grams per 200 ml at 95ºC for 5-10 minutes standing
Chamomile, yarrow, St. John's wort, lavender, lemon balm, lapacho, hawthorn, passionflower, aroma
Serenity Blend
The mixture of green tea and mint make it purifying and eliminate excess waste and liquids, making it the ideal choice for detoxing . It is an antioxidant, that is, it strengthens the immune system and helps the proper functioning of cells.
USE: 2-3 grams per 200 ml at 70ºC-80ºC and let stand for 3-4 minutes.
Gunpowder green tea (61.5%), mint, rose petals, mallow, aroma
Rest & Relaxation Blend
The perfect partnership of soothing Rooibos and aromatic lavender, apple and orange. It’s a wonderfully warming infusion that helps you to both relax and rejuvenate after a hard day.
Rooibos tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and muscle relaxant properties which are vital to keep the body healthy.
USE: 2-3 grams per 200 ml at 95ºC and let stand for 4-5 minutes.
Rooibos (81.0%), apple (apples (approx. 97.5%), salt, citric acid E 330, optional ascorbic acid E 300, valerian, orange blossom, lavender, mallow, blue cornflower, safflower,
Rejuvenation Blend
The Sencha & Pai Mu Tan White Tea is a fresh tasting tea blending the smooth, sweet taste of Sencha Green Tea with the subtle, apple & cinnamon sweetness.
In addition to increasing metabolism, white tea is beneficial in numerous ways. These include improving skin and hair health, keeping the heart healthy and improving oral health.
USE: 2 grams per 200 ml at 65ºC-75ºC and let stand for 5-8 minutes.
Sencha green tea, Pai Mu Tan white tea (30.0%), chopped cinnamon, cinnamon, apple (apples (approx. 97.5%), salt, citric acid E 330, optional ascorbic acid E 300), rolled ALMOND, aroma
ALLERGY INFO: Please note, all teas may contain traces of Gluten, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Milk, Nuts, Seasame grains & Sulphites.