As you know, a watched pot never boils. But a pot that’s been put on the stove or a microwave that’s been set to heat your water provides the perfect opportunity for a short gratitude meditation.
Each element of preparing tea has the potential to be a moment for mindfulness. Let this ritual begin as soon as you decide to have a cup of tea, whether it’s first thing in the morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or right before bed. If possible, allow this 10-ish minute ritual be the only thing you’re doing. Multitasking is overrated and impossible.
As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. I am grateful for this sweet moment to pause and breathe deeply. I am grateful for this time to be still and prepare tea. I am grateful for this space to treat myself to a warm, nourishing drink. I offer gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this moment possible. I am grateful for this home and the roof over my head. I am grateful for this day and all the possibilities of being alive.
As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. I consider those individuals who planted, grew, and harvested the herbs and flowers in my tea. I offer thanks to the soil, the sun, and the water that made this harvest possible. I offer thanks to the planet and the area I live in for clean drinking water. I wait patiently for the delight of the first taste of tea on my tongue.
As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. What scents do I notice? What do they remind me of? Where does this scent take me, emotionally? How do I feel in my body as I drink in these deep, full breaths? What sensations are present on my tongue and in the back of my throat, even before I take my first sip? How do my hands feel wrapped around the warm mug? As I breathe in, I imagine warmth and nourishment being drawn in. As I breathe out, I imagine sending out that warmth and nourishment to the world.
As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. What flavors do I notice on my tongue? What do they remind me of? How does it feel as the warm water moves into my throat? How does it feel as the warm water travels down into my body? As I drink my tea I am practicing self-compassion and self-care. As I fill my own cup I am nourished with love.
As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. As I move forward into my day I call in compassion, kindness, peace, and love. As I step into the rest of my life I call in clarity and manifestation. I invite and invoke all my best intentions and allow them to guide me. As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude.
Learn Deepak’s tips and tricks to fit meditation into even the busiest schedule and create a practice you love with our Primordial Sound Meditation Online Course. Learn More.
Each element of preparing tea has the potential to be a moment for mindfulness. Let this ritual begin as soon as you decide to have a cup of tea, whether it’s first thing in the morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or right before bed. If possible, allow this 10-ish minute ritual be the only thing you’re doing. Multitasking is overrated and impossible.
Waiting for the Water to Get Hot
As you await hot water to steep your tea, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor. Rest your hands on your knees with palms facing up. This is a gesture of openness and an invitation to the universe to provide abundance. Close your eyes or have them just a quarter of the way open. Receive a big breath and consider this:As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. I am grateful for this sweet moment to pause and breathe deeply. I am grateful for this time to be still and prepare tea. I am grateful for this space to treat myself to a warm, nourishing drink. I offer gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this moment possible. I am grateful for this home and the roof over my head. I am grateful for this day and all the possibilities of being alive.
Choose Your Tea
Sit quietly and breathe until your water is boiling. When your water is ready, choose a mug. Pick one that brings you easy joy. It may have been a gift from someone special, a souvenir from a great trip, a handmade piece of ceramic art, or simply a mug that is beautiful to you. Then choose your tea. Whether it’s loose leaf, bagged, or freshly picked herbs, choose a flavor that delights your senses. Some flavors to try during the colder winter months include ginger (to stoke the digestive fire), chai (with nutmeg or cinnamon for inner warmth), or St. John’s Wort (may help ward off depression or seasonal sadness). As you prepare your tea with mindfulness, invite in a big breath and consider this:As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. I consider those individuals who planted, grew, and harvested the herbs and flowers in my tea. I offer thanks to the soil, the sun, and the water that made this harvest possible. I offer thanks to the planet and the area I live in for clean drinking water. I wait patiently for the delight of the first taste of tea on my tongue.
Sniff the Scents
Find a comfortable place to sit—inside or outside. Hold your mug in both hands. Bring your nose close to the steaming water and sniff the scents in the tea. Tenderly hold your warm tea and enjoy this olfactory journey:As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. What scents do I notice? What do they remind me of? Where does this scent take me, emotionally? How do I feel in my body as I drink in these deep, full breaths? What sensations are present on my tongue and in the back of my throat, even before I take my first sip? How do my hands feel wrapped around the warm mug? As I breathe in, I imagine warmth and nourishment being drawn in. As I breathe out, I imagine sending out that warmth and nourishment to the world.
Your First Sips
When your tea has steeped long enough for your taste and cooled enough to drink, bring your mug to your lips and enjoy a sip. Set your mug down for a few moments every few sips, close your eyes, and consider this:As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. What flavors do I notice on my tongue? What do they remind me of? How does it feel as the warm water moves into my throat? How does it feel as the warm water travels down into my body? As I drink my tea I am practicing self-compassion and self-care. As I fill my own cup I am nourished with love.
The Last Sip
As you finish your tea and take the last gulp, set an intention for the next part of your day or week. Sit with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Rest your hands on your knees with palms facing up. This is a gesture of grounding, balance, and completion. Honor yourself for taking the time to nurture your body and mind and call in an intention:As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude. As I move forward into my day I call in compassion, kindness, peace, and love. As I step into the rest of my life I call in clarity and manifestation. I invite and invoke all my best intentions and allow them to guide me. As I breathe in, I invite in abundance. As I breathe out, I offer gratitude.
Learn Deepak’s tips and tricks to fit meditation into even the busiest schedule and create a practice you love with our Primordial Sound Meditation Online Course. Learn More.