Day 118 of #LiveWell2017

“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.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Sip your morning tea (or coffee) slowly – savor the warmth of the cup in your hands, the aroma as you begin to take a sip, the feel of steam on your nose and liquid on your lips, the taste of the tea on your tongue, the sigh of contentment after you swallow. This is a wonderful time to rest in the moment before the rush of the day begins. Time to relax, breathe, center, and send positive thoughts to those you love and those you don’t know. It is another way to set your intention for the day (similar to smiling or meditation). Drinking your tea slowly is being mindful.

Mindfulness can be practiced not just when drinking tea, but when preparing tea as well. Tea rituals are important to many cultures around the world. The Japanese tea ceremony is perhaps the most famous, though tea ceremonies began in China thousands of years ago. The Japanese tea ceremony is about pouring every bit of attention into the movements of the ritual and preparing tea from one’s heart. It is about harmony and respect, purity and quiet serenity.

Do you have a morning tea (or coffee) ritual? What is it and what does it mean for you?