“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Make Tea Part of Your Day...
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Make Tea Part of Your Day...
Tea has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child living in Europe, I drank tea as it was something that children were permitted to have (over espresso/coffee), it made me feel grown up. My Grandmother made the best tea. Once I moved to Canada to live with my Parents, I have fond memories of sitting with my Mother and guests sipping tea and eating toast (yes, I did dunk the toast... I know , I know), to me it was the best treat!
As a young adult, tea was replaced with coffee and it wouldn't be until I found myself living in Toronto for work, that I would re-discover the wonderful delights of tea. My girlfriends and I would take Afternoon Tea when we could at The Four Seasons Hotel; The King Edward Hotel ...we couldn't imagine anything better. That is until The Windsor Arms Hotel re-opened and offered Afternoon Tea!
Up until my accident, my adventures into the world of tea were limited to catching up with friends over a relaxing Afternoon Tea mostly at The Windsor Arms. Though I thoroughly enjoyed it, tea was not part of my everyday life. Fast forward 6 years later and I couldn't imagine my day without tea in the afternoon, and sometimes I even savour a cup a few hours before bedtime.
One of the most therapeutic parts of my day is when I set the kettle to boil; warm a teapot with hot water; add loose (or bagged) tea to the warmed teapot, watching the water cascade from the kettle over the tea as it fills the teapot; letting the tea steep, and than pouring this heavenly drink into a china teacup with matching saucer. Once my tea is in the cup it's time to sit down and enjoy.
It's a time when my mind actually quietens and I'm able to just be in the moment ~ almost meditative like.
It's a time when my mind actually quietens and I'm able to just be in the moment ~ almost meditative like.
Whether on your own or with friends, I encourage you to MAKE the TIME to create your own Daily Tea Ritual. At home or work ~ all you require is the basics: kettle to boil water, a teapot, a teacup and saucer, tea (loose leaf or bag) and a place to sit an enjoy! It will be the best 30 minutes (minimum time I suggest) of your day.
