10-minute practice

Listen to Your Tea

When last did you listen to your tea? The simple task of preparing and drinking a cup of tea (or coffee) is the perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness. Better yet, given that most of us begin our day with a cuppa, it holds the potential to become a treasured morning ritual that starts your day with connection.

The Practice:

“If you are drinking tea, just drink your tea. Do not drink your worries, your projects, your regrets. When you hold your cup, you may like to breathe in, to bring your mind back to your body, stop your thinking, and become fully present. In that moment, you become real an the cup of tea becomes real. In this state of true presence and freedom you enjoy simply drinking your tea.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh 

The practice is simple. Pay attention, with curiosity and kindness, to each part of the process of making and drinking a cup of tea. Be present as you fill the kettle, as the water boils, and as you pour your tea. Listen to the water, breathe in the aroma, notice the light reflecting through the liquid, feel the warmth of the cup in your hands, and taste the subtle flavours of your brew. Sip slowly and take time to appreciate your cup of tea with all of your senses.  

The inspiration for this practice:

This exercise is inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony known as the Way of Tea. Cha-no-yu (or Chado or Sado) is a highly stylised and symbolic ceremony centred around the art of making and drinking tea. While the ceremony varies depending on factors like the season, time of day, and participants, it is always built on four principles: harmony, purity, respect, and tranquillity. More than that, though, this slow, calm process captures the pure enjoyment that is tea.