There is nothing more comforting to me than drinking a warm cup of freshly brewed tea. Regardless of the weather – hot, cold, warm, windy – you will find me brewing multiple cups of fresh herbal tea throughout the day.
While I could go on and on about the health benefits of tea, which are numerous, today I want to focus on the benefits of creating a simple evening tea ritual you can incorporate in your everyday life.
Tea rituals are nothing new. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, the simple yet harmonious act of drinking tea gained popularity after Lu Yu, a monk during the Tang Dynasty (618 -907), wrote The Classic of Tea (Cha Jing), the oldest known guide on how to prepare and drink tea, in the 8th Century.
While various cultures have created relatively strict and elaborate, albeit beautiful, tea rituals, such as the traditional Japanese tea ceremony Chanoyu (literally translated as “hot water for tea”), your daily tea ritual does not have to be as multi-layered. Unless you want it to be, bien sur.
How to Create a Beautiful and Calming Evening Tea Ritual
Over the years I’ve come to realize that there are certain key components that make my tea ritual harmonious and calming.
Whether you’re sharing a cup of tea with friends and family or simply enjoying a soothing cup on your own, here are 5 ways to create a tea ritual that is sure to become one of your favorite moments of the day.
1. Light a candle. I don’t always get the opportunity to light a candle during the day but in the evenings I really make a point to put my phone away and, as the water boils for my tea, I’ll light a candle. The soft glow and gentle fragrance accompanied by my favorite blanket creates a peaceful environment that helps me to unwind at the end of a long day as I relish in my warm cup of tea (especially on days when my son has been super fussy and vocal about his displeasures).
2. Use loose leaf tea: On evenings when I have a bit more time I prepare myself a cup of loose leaf tea. Generally I am drawn to floral teas as they’re so aesthetically pleasing but that’s just a preference. While I do use a reusable cotton tea bags, there are times when I simply prefer putting the loose tea leaves as is into my tea pot and watch he leaves, petals, and herbs expand and transform as the hot water seeps into them. Once steeped, I use a tea strainer to remove any floating leaves from my cup. Tip: This is also a more eco-friendly option as you can compost the tea leaves when you’re finished.
3. Be Present. Learning how to find stillness in the chaos of everyday life and being fully present is something I have always struggled with. Like most of you, my mind is frequently on the go, jumping from one idea to the next, and easily distractible. But for me, the simple act of brewing a cup of tea, feeling the warmth as I deliciously take that first sip has become my own version of a mindfulness practice. I put my phone away and give myself full permission to step into the present, focusing solely on the “task” before me (to enjoy tea).
Questions you might consider asking yourself during your tea ritual:
- How does the water pouring into my teacup sound?
- Can you feel the steam against your face as you take that first sip?
- What does it smell like? How does it taste?
- How does the warmth feel as it makes its way down your throat?
“But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea.” – Jane Austen
4. Breathe: Once you’ve poured yourself a cozy cup of tea, take a few moments to focus on your breath. While holding your teacup (or mug) with both hands (who doesn’t like a bit of extra warmth?) close your eyes and inhale deeply for 5 seconds through your nose, hold and then exhale slowly through your mouth for 5 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Deep breathing helps your body to relax and your mind to calm down, amongst other health benefits.
5. Gratitude: Another practice I’ve found helpful as I drink tea is to express gratitude. Giving thanks even for the simplest of things helps me to step into a spirit of abundance as opposed to a spirit of lack, i.e. when you focus on what you don’t have (not rich enough, not pretty enough, not “good” enough, etc.). It’s so easy to focus on all the negative things in our lives – it’s how we’re wired as humans (see, negative bias). Focusing on the positive is not only lifegiving but studies have also found that practicing gratitude helps to boost the immune system, improves mental health, and can make you overall happier! Generally, I’ll have my husband (who prefers a cold stout at the end of the night to tea) join me in this “gratitude ritual”. We will each share three things we’re grateful for that day.
6. Optional: Invest in a nice tea set. While not a necessity, I have found that using a beautiful tea set helps me to create a more meaningful and harmonious moment in my day. No matter how raggedy I may feel, or how crappy the weather is, I cherish the moments when I can slow down and sip a warm cup of tea from a delicate porcelain cup poured from my favorite teapot. Tip: You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a nice tea set. Some of my favorite tea cups and pots have come from my local thrift store. This is not only a more budget-friendly option but better for the planet too.
Looking for a list of organic and fair trade tea brands for your evening tea ritual?
Check out 10 Sustainable & Fair Trade Tea Brands
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