Rituals & Impact by Steve Schwartz, Founder of Art of Tea
Steve Schwartz talks about the importance of ritual and impact.
In ancient Japanese culture, tea was not just a beverage; it held great significance as a ceremonial drink that was often used as a symbol of an engagement or the sealing of a marriage. Tea rituals and ceremonies were so deeply ingrained in Japanese culture that they continue to be practiced today as a way to connect to Japanese heritage and promote mindfulness and appreciation.
The Japanese are not the only ones who recognize the value of tea rituals. When tea was introduced to England from the Far East, it sparked the development of tea-drinking ceremonies in the afternoons. English tea time became an occasion to indulge in tea and light snacks. Today, Afternoon Tea is an essential part of many Europeans' daily routines.
This reverence for tea-drinking has led many people to create their own rituals around tea, acknowledging the karmic principle of cause and effect. When we create a ritual around something, we're acknowledging that our actions have meaning and can affect the world around us. By creating a tea ritual, we can find ways to infuse our daily lives with a sense of purpose and connection, whether it's taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the tea leaves, the warmth of the water, or the simple pleasure of sharing a cup with a friend. Let's explore some ways we can integrate the principles of karma into our daily tea rituals and how we can use these practices to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and connection with the world around us.
Replacing Coffee with Tea: Morning Tea Ritual
Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend of people seeking to incorporate tea into their daily routines. This trend has been fueled by a growing awareness of the numerous health benefits of tea, as well as its versatility and unique flavors. During the coronavirus pandemic, many people turned to tea as a way to alleviate anxiety and improve immunity.
By replacing a single morning coffee with tea, one can experience the meditative process of tea-drinking, which can help to soothe the mind and promote a sense of calm. As you engage in this simple yet profound tea ritual, you can breathe in the aroma of the tea and reflect upon your intentions for the day. Give yourself time to sip and enjoy slowly. If you don't have time at home, there are tea mug and tea tumbler options you can use to transport your tea to work where you can have your tea ritual at your desk. Simple morning routine ideas like this may help you focus and set your day in a positive direction.
To switch from coffee to tea, gradually replace one cup of coffee with tea or drink tea instead of coffee one day per week. Experiment with different types high-quality teas and take a Tea Quiz to help find the right tea blends for you.
Tea Ritual with Meditation and/or Exercise
If you find that you can't seem to get motivated about exercise, tea can set the mood and segue into a fitness routine. If you prefer to meditate, you can incorporate tea into meditation first through the process of brewing and then by deeply breathing in the steam coming off the tea. You can also place the cup of hot tea on a yoga mat in front of you and focus on the smell as you inhale and exhale.
Drinking tea after exercise and meditation replaces lost fluids, re-energizes your body and mind, and even helps regulate gut health. Some people also drink green tea as part of a health ritual after a workout to help increase metabolism. Tea, unlike coffee, also is reported to reduce anxiety. Whether used as part of a meditation ritual or a exercise ritual, tea has been shown to provide many benefits.
Steve Schwartz, Founder of Art of Tea, Reveals Morning Rituals with Tea
A recent video produced by the founder of Art of Tea launches into a brief discussion of forming tea rituals and how he forms a tea ritual in the morning and uses tea as a way to connect to the world around him. He shows you multiple morning routine ideas through meditation, stretching, journaling, and tea drinking. Tea rituals are not just limited to the morning though. Choose one of the amazing Art of Tea teas to begin a new tea ritual all your own.
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