In today's fast paced world ... making time to just sit and be, may seem like a waste of time to many. Reality though is that the few minutes you set aside, to just be - is exactly what the body needs to re-energize and enable it to be more productive.
One of my favourite ways to relax and decompress from all the busyness of the day is to sit back with a cup of tea. I actually try an make it a regular ritual to stop around 3:00/3:30 pm each afternoon for a cup of tea and 30 minutes for me. The act of preparing the tea and taking in the soothing warmth of the tea in itself is most therapeutic.
Imagine the benefit of combining a cup of tea with meditation ...
I will steep a pot of tea and enjoy a cup for 5-10 minutes before settling down to meditate. It's a great way to transition a busy active mind into a calm state.
So the next time you are feeling like this ... STOP ... make a pot of tea, let the warmth and aroma of the tea embrace you ~ for 5-10 minutes, while you sit back and let your mind slow down; set your teacup down, close your eyes and just focus on breathing in and out; sit quietly for 15-20 minutes just focusing on breathing in and out.
I use a timer with a vibration mode ~ so that I'm not focused on how much time has passed - and can be truly in the moment. I have also found that a gentle vibration is much more pleasant to signal the end of your mediation time, than a buzzing sound of an alarm.
You will be amazed at how much more energized and better able to deal with the rest of the day, you will be.
This is the 5th in a series of 6 ~ Are You worth 30 Minutes in your day .
Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...
sharing this post with: Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday Inspiration Tuesday ~ A Return to Loveliness Tuesday ~ Total Fitness Wednesday
Stopping for a leisurely cup of tea in the afternoon with my cat, sometimes my husband sometimes a book, and always the oasis of peace in my sunroom is a great refresher. I simply don't miss! Thanks for the thoughtful...and true...post!
ReplyDeleteRuth
I think you should consider writing a book with these type posts because I really believe that people have forgotten how to "just be" and relax. Everything is go-go-go-go-go-go and instant "I want it NOW"! It is like the art of cooking at home. So many don't even know how to cook; food means ordering out. Your tea posts remind us it is vital to take care of ourselves and to relax. I adore these posts!!
ReplyDeleteCelia I love this series! many times in the evening I will have a cup or two of tea. It just brings me into a relaxation stage!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Giveaway from The Enchanted Home!
Dearest Celia,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are writing these excellent tea-time posts with a little nudge for taking better care of ourselves. It is so TRUE and tea always works calming and soothing.
Hugs,
Mariette
This is a really good point. I try to do this everyday and some one says...I'm hungry! Back to the kitchen I go. LOL!
ReplyDeleteSherry
I sure could use 30 minutes of 'me' time! I'm afraid I might doze off if I try to meditate (bc I'm always tired!). and it's so hard to just turn my brain off. yes, I know it sounds like I'm making excuses. ;)
ReplyDeleteHello Celia
ReplyDeleteYou and I have tea at the same time every day. I like to go in the basement and do some yoga stretches to help me relax and it helps with the muscular problems I have.
Do you like your special tea kettle that boils the water according to tea type?
Judith
Judith, it took me a long time to justify the investment (even as a gift from the furbabies via hubby) ... But it really does make a difference in the taste of tea when it's steeped with the correct temperature. It will also hold the temperature for a set time. I also love the style and size of this one. I hope this helps. Cheers C.
DeleteCelia, wonderful post. Making tea is the beginning of my meditation time in the early morning -- all is quiet --even the kitties. I've thought about the special kettle for making tea. May have to think about it again! Happy Tea Day!
ReplyDeleteCelia, this is a wonderful post! May I invite you to link tomorrow with Total Fitness Wednesday tomorrow. I will be talking about exercising but most importantly resting and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteHello Celia,
ReplyDeleteI love to stop in the afternoon and have myself some tea. Today was an exceptionally busy day and I was exhausted by early afternoon so I made myself a cup of tea and sat down. I just sat, and I didn't feel one bit guilty. I figured that time for me was important and my hubby encourages me to do this which makes it even better! By the time my tea was finished, I was feeling so much better that I actually felt energized. Your post is a good one. Thank you for sharing and coming to tea. Happy Summer, my friend!
Blessings,
Sandi
I SO want to learn how to do this but just can't find the time. I know, I know...it's just I need absolute silence and that is next to impossible to come by!!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!!! just schedule it in ...
DeleteBonjour mon ami! I admire how to take this time for yourself. I wish I could bring myself to do this but it seems I always have so much going on that I can hardly fit anything in. I know, I need to just do it. I keep thinking I will practice yoga and pilates in the morning, my elliptical in the evening... it never quite seems to happen. Chai tea latte is my favourite of late. Perhaps that will be my reward for yoga/pilates?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comments! I would love any info you have in regards to the fleas or home boutiques. I'm gathering as much info as I can!
xoxo, B