Tea Parties and the Power of Presence
Growing up, my grandmother and I always sat around with the beautiful tea set I got for Christmas. We would dress up, My grandmother had this beautiful table cloth we would dress the table up with cookies, or a cake that she made, my grandmother was a caterer it was truly special, I know when my grandmother's spirit is around cause she would remind me of the song we use to sing at the tea party which is: " I feel pretty, oh so pretty, so pretty and witty and bright", That was our tea party song, along with some others. This would positively transform an otherwise ordinary afternoon into something truly special and magic.
Today, my fond memories of these special afternoons with my grandmother inspired me to create a process that transforms a simple cup of tea into a beautiful spiritual practice through presence … A spiritual tea party. While the tea parties of my childhood always felt like special occasions, many of us drink tea daily, or at least on a very regular basis in the winter months.
With a bit of awareness, a dash of presence, and simply slowing down long enough to truly enjoy it, your cup of tea can have a lasting impact on your whole day – and ultimately your spiritual path.
The Power of Presence
Presence is integral to spiritual understanding. As spiritual beings in human form, one of our biggest opportunities is learning to integrate our direct connection with the Divine into our daily lives.
Returning awareness to the present moment is one of the most simple and powerful ways to raise your vibration, calm troubled emotions, and your direct link with the Divine. Presence is also one of the easiest spiritual practices to incorporate into your life and it can be accomplished in many ways, including being fully present with a cup of tea by practicing this simple tea party technique.
“You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea. Only in the awareness of the present, can your hands feel the pleasant warmth of the cup. Only in the present, can you savor the aroma, taste the sweetness, appreciate the delicacy. If you are ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the cup of tea. You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
A Simple Tea Party Begins by setting an intention that acknowledges your cup of tea and the time you’re taking to drink it as a special time for you.
Consider reading the Thich Nhat Hanh quote above for inspiration, and to help set your mood. 🙂Brew your tea and as you allow it time to steep, consciously bring your attention to the present moment. Check in with all of your senses; notice what you observe within and all around you, and then let it go.
This is also a great time to check in with your feelings, emotions, and inner state of being. How are you feeling today? What's going on in your world? Are you distracted by events of the day? Are excited or worried about something in the future? Are you feeling grounded and centered in the present?
Tune into your current state of being, and then make an effort to consciously let go of whatever has happened leading up to this point in time. Let go of wondering or worrying about what the future will hold, let go of whatever has happened in the past, and just for this moment now…
Just while your tea brews, become fully present in the here and now.
Feel the energy of the room around you. Feel the floor beneath your feet, the weight of the clothes you're wearing, and the temperature on your skin. Tune in to the energy of your feet… The energy in your hands… And now feel into your heart center…
Consciously let your heart light brightly glow within you, as you bring all of your awareness into this very moment…
Right here and now.
Linger in the present moment while your tea steeps, and when it is ready to take a moment to hold the mug near your nose and just breathe in the warmth and blissful scent.
Offer up the fragrance as a gift to the divine. Dedicating this mug of tea, and this present moment to the awakening of all beings, to peace on Earth, awakening, or to whoever/whatever moves you.
Next, you may want to carefully rotate your mug in all four cardinal directions. Allow this symbolism to invite a sense of opening within you. You might choose to focus on opening your heart, raising your vibration, or opening to receive a message from your angels as you now take your first sip.
As you take your first sip of tea, really be present in the moment.
Feel the warmth, taste the flavor, sense the energy, smell the aroma, and tune into gratitude for this little moment of joy your cup of tea brings. Stay in the present moment. Feel the warmth of the mug in your hands…Enjoy the taste, the warmth, and the slowness of each sip.
With each additional sip, you take, offer up a simple ‘thank you.’
Remember to bring yourself back to the present whenever you find yourself mentally moving on to the next thing you have to do today, of being pulled into something that happened in the past.
Be fully here in this moment now enjoying and fully experiencing the magic and small miracle that is this present moment with your delightful cup of tea.
Add a Tea Party to Your Other Practices
This simple practice of a tea party is a wonderful addition to any additional spiritual practices. Whether you practice yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, work with crystals, or with your next angel meditation, try having a cup of tea before you begin or close.
When you’re fully present with your tea, it becomes a powerful extension of any other spiritual practice. Whether you’re drinking tea for the effects it has on your body, mind, or spirit, you really can’t go wrong by slowing down and spending a few moments in your presence.
Here is an angel message with Archangel Metatron which is a beautiful addition to your tea Party.
What Tea Is Best For A Tea Party?
Really, any tea you choose is a perfect choice for your Tea Party! Feel free to try something new or stick to your favorite. If you’d like some suggestions, below are a few that I love. Each of them works to support the mind, body, and spirit.
Matcha Green Tea
Traditional Japanese and Zen tea ceremonies use matcha tea for ceremonies that are symbolic of peace, harmony, and happiness.
Matcha is a high-grade green tea powder that can have up to 15 times more nutrients than loose leaf green tea. It does have some caffeine, so if you're caffeine sensitive, or want to enjoy a tea party in the evening, I'm including below a number of herbal teas that are the perfect choice for a spiritual tea party!
Ginger Tea
Ginger is warming, widens blood vessels for increased circulation, and supports the immune system. The spicy energy of ginger tea is beautifully aligned with the energies of love, money, success, and power.
Chamomile Tea
Most often used to promote good sleep, chamomile has several amino acids that have a relaxing effect on the body. Energetically chamomile is relaxing and purifying.
Holy Basil or Tulsi Tea
Holy Basil is a great supplement for overall health and wellness. It’s an adaptogen, which means that it brings balance and calm. Tulsi tea is energetically nourishing, cleansing, and works to cut through stress and promote peace. Tulsi tea also balances your energy and purifies mind, body, and spirit. This is one of my favorite teas… And not just because ancient Hindu texts believe it to be holy.
Mint Tea
Mint includes a broad category of herbs, all known for their uplifting effect. It’s another anti-inflammatory and is often used for colds, headaches, and nausea. Mint is clarifying and can help you cut through illusion and call positive energy into your life.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is a delicious red tea that I always seem to pronounce funny! 😉 It's high in Vitamin C and is said to help fight disease and signs of aging. It has no natural caffeine and yet is naturally energizing and rejuvenating.
Enjoy!
Contact Rev. Tyra Love for more information and angel readings: email me: love@angelsrus.org call me: at (757) 367-5355 or toll-free at 866 -679-1515