“When I drink tea I am conscious of peace. The cool breath of heaven rises in my sleeves and blows my cares away. "~ Lo Tung
Ease is a state of being that is characterized by a certain freedom from tension or anxiety. It is a quiet state of mind that allows us to feel relaxed in our bodies and our hearts. As such it is a state that can be cultivated.
One of my favourite rituals for cultivating a sense of ease within the activity of my day is to enjoy a very simple tea ritual. This can be done anywhere where you are able to sit quietly for a few minutes by yourself.
If I am at home or somewhere I can make the tea myself, I add the steps of preparing the tea and cleaning up afterward as part of the ritual. However, I have also done this ritual in coffee shops and it is just as effective at promoting a sense of peacefulness and ease in the midst of even the busiest day.
Step 1: Make a cup of tea in silence, and sit down while it steeps. Do not read a book or pick up your phone. Just sit quietly.
Step 2: Drink your cup of tea in silence. Do not give in to the urge to multitask. Pay attention to the sounds around you, taste your tea fully, and remain seated in silence until your tea is done.
Step 3: Wash your teacup in silence and put it away. Move into your next activity, taking peacefulness and ease with you.
Written by Natalie Rousseau
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