The way of tea

Fast-paced society

Are we really living in a fast-paced society where our mantra for our lives is ‘I’m so busy’? Do we replace balance with multi-tasking, work excessive hours, know more about the latest app than we do ourselves and have an unhealthy relationship with coffee?

What if we were to stop for a moment? Revaluate and find a practice where we experience a meditative and calm state simply through the act of pouring a cup of tea?

Morning routine

Do you work to a ‘just in time’ schedule? Only giving yourself enough time to get up, (check social media), shower (check social media) and get dressed before you run out the door to catch the tram to work? After being in a resting state for 7+ hrs do you shock your body into movement and a scrambling mind when really you should be taking the time to sit quietly calming the mind before launching into your days activities?

New beginnings

I’m a realist. I know mornings can be frantic especially when you have dependents to care for but the simple mindful act of tea; pausing to prepare a cup or bowl of tea can provide your grounding for the day, allow you a moment to experience peace and calm all the while allowing you to sit with the deeper a spiritual value which is at the heart of this ancient practice.

The practice, the humble act of a traditional tea ceremony bought into your home, into a space helping quieten and ease you into the day with the act of stillness, appreciation, gratitude and overall beauty for life.

“The art of the tea Way consists simply of boiling water, preparing tea and drinking it.” – Rikyu

Values

Values such as humility, purity, reverence and harmony should guide your tea experience enhancing your love and compassion for not only us but also one other. There is more to tea drinking that the action itself.

My (new) morning practice

This is the shortened version of my recently adopted morning practice. It runs far deeper than these four points but this is the simple version of my practice; in essence its not much more complicated than these four points.

1. Make tea
2. Give thanks
3. Drink tea
4. Give thanks (again)

To understand further the spiritual ritual and experience you can gain through the art of pouring a cup of tea, I recommended expanding your learning and attending a workshop.

Mindful teas

I always regarded myself as a tea drinker however it wasn’t until being drawn into the Storm in a Teacup world did I truly understand the spiritual ritual of tea. I still have a lot to learn but the journey so far is making me richer all the while allowing me to discover teas that suit my pallet.

Top teas from the Storm in a Teacup collection

• Ancient Moonlight (White Tea)
• Big Red Robe (Semi Oxidised Tea)
• Gemaicha (Green Tea)
• Rooibos (Herbal)
• Wild Lapsang Souchong (Black Tea)

New teachings

Workshop: An Exploration of Spiritual Tea lead by Hannah Dupree, Storm in a Teacup is described as a porthole into the world of spiritual tea. A workshop designed to give you a basic foundational understanding of teas history and contemporary significance as a powerful spiritual practice.

To read more about Hannah and her humble business, Storm in a Teacup and her awakening workshops visit: www.storminateacup.com.au

 

All you need to do now is put the kettle on and BE. This is one of the many steps to follow leading you to live a more Planted Life.