We can practice mindfulness while preparing and enjoying a cup of tea, on our own, or in the company of family or friends.

So, how do we do that?

Simply, by using our senses to take in and savour the experience of preparing & drinking tea:

** smelling the loose tea leaves before placing them in the tea pot, hearing the sound of the water boil & then being poured into the pot, taking in the colour tone of the ready tea as it is poured into the cup, feeling warm sensations in your hands from holding the cup, smelling the tea before taking your first sip, and finally tasting the tea **

Then ending the ‘ceremony’ by tuning into how the experience has made you feel.

This may sound like a peculiar practice, but it's a very useful informal practice to start with. It can help you connect with the direct experience of the moment, and give you a deserved break from your habitual thinking mind.

Perhaps you would like to try this next time you make some tea for yourself.

P.S. If you don't like tea, try it with coffee or another favourite drink