Mindfulness and Tea
One word that I’ve heard a lot of lately is mindfulness. Throughout this pandemic, we’ve seen people really getting in tune with themselves and doing some soul searching. With being stuck at home and not being able to see our friends and families before, there’s not much else to do, why not focus on ourselves?
So what is mindfulness? In simple terms, it's the ability to be 100% present in this current moment. It's the release and detachment from what triggers our stress and anxieties. So many times a day I feel overwhelmed and stressed over little things, but practicing mindfulness might just be the key to reducing stress. It’s nothing extravagant and we don’t need to purchase anything before we start. It isn't something we have to change about ourselves or our beliefs. Rather, it’s something we all have and it's just a matter of daily practice. We can do this with mini meditations throughout the day.
Practicing mindfulness is something you need to constantly tell yourself to do. This isn’t a one and done solution to stress and anxiety reduction, but rather a way of life. It is so easy to get hung up on everyday life that we forget to just be present and in the moment. When we keep reminding ourselves of this practice it starts to become natural and we start to see the benefits like reducing stress, enhanced work performance or simply having some insight into your own mind.
I found that my absolute favorite time to practice mindfulness is whilst making tea. I’ve always felt that tea time is the time to self reflect and have an intimate moment with one’s self. From choosing which tea I want, to waiting for the water to boil, to waiting for your tea to steep, these are at least 5-10 minutes that are wasted in our own thoughts and dread. Instead, fill them with moments of clarity and light. Take those moments and feel gratitude for everything you have.
While sipping tea, you can take a second to become aware of your surroundings, notice the cup in your hands, feel the heat radiating into your body. These are all moments of mindfulness that can help you release. Of course, if that isn't your cup of tea, below are a few more suggestions of moments that can be filled with practice.
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While driving — Being from LA, so much of our day is filled just by driving and being stuck in traffic. This is a great time to practice! Set your intention when you sit in the car that you will practice being mindful. Focus on your breathing and center yourself. Once you’ve started driving take a second and focus on your hands on the steering wheel, then on your posture, straightening out without stiffening up. Focus on your legs down to your feet. Bring your focus back to your breathing and repeat.
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Working out — Take your workout outside! How often do we truly admire and appreciate mother nature and all her beauty? Not often enough. A walk, or jog, or run can all be practices of mindfulness. Stay focused on your breathing and release the outside thoughts that trigger our anxieties. This time is all about you, so keep it that way.
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When eating — This is a great time to sit and reflect. How often do we show gratitude for things like food? It’s something we so often take for granted. Next time you sit down for a meal, think about how that food was created and how it got to your table. Think about what you are putting into your body. We so often take for granted how we keep ourselves nourished.
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