Tea has been used as a tool of meditation for centuries. Even the popular tea ceremonies of Japan and China have a meditative feel about them. One can witness for themselves the zen-like qualities which are present in a tea ceremony by watching the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tt7NBIVeMY

However, using tea in your own meditations does not need to be elaborate or expensive. The purpose of such a meditation is an increased awareness and inner focus. For example, you may concentrate on breathing exercises while drinking a cup of cherished tea. Other times, you may use the preparation of the tea as an exercise in meditation. Simply by breathing deeply, and bringing your complete attention and focus to the preparation and drinking of tea, you can incorporate tea into your daily meditations.

For millions of people over the years, the mindful preparation of tea as well as drinking it with focus and intent has been a form of meditation that is easy to do, yet extremely beneficial to your health. In today’s chaotic world, taking the time to meditate upon something as simple yet as joyful as tea is a gift to your mind, body and soul. Meditation is possible at any time, in any place, with or without tea. However to take 10 minutes in the morning and evening to meditate with your tea is a special way of meditating using tea to enhance your experience. Tea in itself promotes a feeling of well-being and happiness, from the L-Theanine amino acid it carries, and this feeling can assist in your meditation time.

Meditations with your tea should ideally be performed in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Indoors or outdoors, wherever you find a place where you can feel comfortable, relaxed and without distraction for at least 10 to 15 minutes (or as long as you wish for your meditation to last). The most important thing is to feel good about the experience and to refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit.

[Editor’s note: Our blog is chock full of great articles on this topic. Use our search feature to find them!]

© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.