Every morning I set aside 10-15 minutes of my time to enjoy brewing green tea. I treat this time as a mediation, using my senses to ground my awareness in the present moment. In China and Japan there is actually a tea ceremony which requires great skill and mastery to perform. The purpose of these ceremonies is not just about drinking a wonderful cup of tea but to develop gratitude,focus & presence.
Tea, which is the leaf of the camellia sinensis plant, is also considered an excellent medical herb. It is a Bitter, Sweet and cooling herb that has been said to : calm the spirit, clear vision, clear the head, strengthen the teeth, and increase our qi (vital energy).
Considering that I just received fresh picked tea from an organic small family farm in China, I am inspired to share this ritual with you!
My preferred method of brewing green tea is with gaiwan , a porcelain cup with a lid. I brew the tea in the gaiwan then pour it into a small pitcher. From the pitcher I pour it into a small tea cup. I find that drinking the tea in a small cup allows me to taste the flavors better.
Step 1: I always do my tea meditation in a place where I am not distracted by my computer or phone. I then take few deep breaths to begin.
Step 2: I open the tea container, close my eyes, and breathe in the aroma. I notice what I feel in both my body & mind. I let go of names & descriptions and simply observe. This is step is always very calming for me. The aroma of the tea is very strong and I normally notice a rising sensation to my head from my chest. I also notice a sensation on the middle and sides of my tongue.
Step 3: I carefully put the tea into the gaiwan and brew it with 170 degree water. I then decant the tea into the small pitcher. I open the lid to the gaiwan and breathe in the warm aroma of once brewed tea. The aroma of the tea changes after being steeped. I then pour the tea into the small cup observing the color of the liquid. I close my eyes and drink it. Again I simply observe my body and mind, without labeling anything (for example: labeling a flavor sweet or bitter). I then place my tongue on roof of my mouth, behind the teeth, close the mouth and exhale through my nose. This creates a blend of the senses of taste and smell, while I again simply observe.
Step 4: I brew the tea again and repeat the process. Normally I do 2-3 brews for green tea.
Step5: After I am done drinking and observing I practice being grateful. I practice seeing the sun, clouds, rain, and earth that helped the tea grow. I see the hard work and tedious tending of organic tea by the farmer. I become grateful that the tea can be shipped to my house all the way from China.
I always feel relaxed and calm after my tea drinking meditation. This practice helps me remain present throughout my morning and afternoon.
I encourage you to try this meditation and commit to practicing it for a few days. I find it especially helpful in the morning because it can help me set the mood for the day. You don’t have to brew your tea in a gaiwan, using a mug with a teabag or strainer could work just fine. If you don’t like tea you can use Mate, Coffee, or other herbal teas like rooibos or chamomile . This practice is all about using our senses to become present.