A cup of hot tea tempts the senses to slow down and enjoy. It's impossible to rush a cup of tea; it will burn the mouth. A cup of hot tea is, therefore, the perfect guide for those struggling to take a time out, slow down, and enjoy life.
Combine a cup of tea with a simple guided meditation for daily relaxation, a change in pace, or simply to gain new connection with the body and breath.
How to Drink a Cup of Hot Tea
First, select a favorite hot tea. If new to hot tea drinking, browse the tea isle at the local grocery or health food to find a tea that looks interesting.
Chamomile tea is a traditional relaxant, though it may put one to sleep. Mint can be refreshing and stimulating, as can a caffeinated black tea such as Earl Grey. Chai teas are a strong, spicy tea for an adventurous spirit seeking an exciting day. A lemon herbal tea, on the other hand, is more refreshing and cleansing, perfect after a difficult discussion or to fight off a cold.
The presentation is important, as well. Select a sturdy mug, preferably one with positive connections. Though teacups are also popular with tea drinking, they do not work well with this exercise, as one must be able to hold the base of the cup in both hands during the meditation.
Find a comfortable place and time when no one else is around with minimal noise. The kitchen table will do. A spot on the floor or a seat on the deck or porch works as well. Make sure a chair is available that keeps the back straight.
Follow the directions on the box or bag of tea to prepare the cup of tea, and wait several minutes until the cup is cool enough to hold.
Hot Tea Meditation
With a mug of tea in hand and twenty minutes with no interruptions, prepare to enjoy a quiet, relaxing exercise.
- Situate the body in a chair, with the back straight. Cup the hot tea mug in the hands at chest level.
- Bring the cup of tea to the chest. Notice the warmth radiating from the cup. Now touch the cup to the chest. Experience the warmth of the body against the cup. Feel how the breath pushes and recedes against the cup.
- Close the eyes. Focus on the breath going in and out. See how deep and slow it is possible to breathe. Take three of the slowest, deepest breaths possible. Feel the warm energy of the body pulsing from the bottom of the breath to the top of it.
- Now open the eyes and lift the cup of tea to the nose. How does it smell? How does the steam feel against the face? Breathe in the warmth, and during the exhale imagine the warmth traveling all the way to the bottom of the feet. Take three breaths in this manner.
- Lift the tea to the lips and take a sip. Notice how the liquid feels in the mouth and throat. Visualize that warmth traveling all the way to the toes. Take three deep breaths, inhale and exhale, feeling the warmth from the tea traveling down to the feet then up into the head.
- Repeat sipping the tea, with three deep breaths between sips, until all the tea is gone. Hold the empty cup in the lap, and imagine warmth from the cup radiating outward and warming the entire body. Visualize the body in a cocoon of warmth, like a giant tea mug.
- Take five deep breaths, in and out, and then open the eyes. Sit still and move gently, to enjoy the effects of the meditation as long as possible. Do not try to get up too fast, as the muscles need time to transition out of the exercise.
Reflecting on the Tea Meditation
Try the tea meditation to reduce stress and train the self to take time out to relax and breathe deeply.
If certain body parts feel uncomfortable during the meditation, feel free to move them or explore whether yoga, tai chi class, or other spiritual practice may benefit further relaxation.
Experiment with different kinds of tea, based on mood and preference, to give the exercise some variety. Find scented teas if smelling the tea is especially relaxing. Also, try spicy teas for an increased warming effect.
The tea meditation could also be adapted with the morning cup of coffee, for those looking to make the morning routine a little more relaxing.
For other meditation ideas that fit into daily life, try the Road Rage Meditation or Explore a Dream's Meaning: A Short Meditation.
 |
