The Ritual of Tea

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“Good habits automate us, helping us get things done. Rituals animate us, enhancing and enchanting our lives with something more. The intrinsically emotional nature of rituals gives them their animating power.” – Michael Norton

Before the pandemic, my “office” was at a favorite local coffee shop. My kids were little and at home so I needed a place to escape to. I’d walk in the door of the coffee shop, throw my backpack onto my favorite comfy chair by the window if it was available, get my cup of green tea, and then settle in to work.

For me, wrapping my hands around a hot cup of tea is like an automatic reset button. It helps me notice the moment before I move to the next. Part of the fun was just being around all the other regulars and hearing conversations. There is something so delicious about the conviviality of coffee shop comradery.

So I loved the conversation I had with Vicki Atkinson this week on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast: Tea Time with Wynne and Vicki

We bring in one of my favorite quotes about tea from Mark Nepo. He likens tea to the way we make sense of our lives. From gathering the leaves, to pouring water over it, to drinking it slowly, we cultivate the aromatic blend that helps us and heals us.

Both Vicki and I like the ritual because it slows us down. Having a cup of tea is like an invitation to bring forward what we already know.

I share my secret for how long I let it steep. And Vicki shows some treasured sets from her family that hold so much more than tea.

Vicki shares a delightful book about making tea that has been a gift and a reminder to let the swirls of tea help settle our thoughts down.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling over a cup of tea.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 89: Tea Time with Wynne and Vicki

HoTM Episode 89 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Steeping the Tea Leaves of Life by Wynne Leon

My Kind of Swirl by Vicki Atkinson

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

55 thoughts on “The Ritual of Tea”

  2. I’m sorry, Wynne. I read the rest of what you wrote after that initial quote, but my brain got stuck!

    Sure, I have some habits that I know are healthy for me. But rituals? Something within me really pushes back against the idea of rituals. They feel restrictive…I’m having a physical reaction, an internal shuddering, to the very idea. I think that’s likely my attachment style showing up. And that old “what’s wrong with me?” thought starts floating around in my head. Ugh… 😩

    Imma have to take some time and process…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. How interesting! I wonder if Michael Norton has a different definition of rituals than what you are thinking of. I recently heard him on a 10% percent happier podcast. He asked if you have a particular order to showering and brushing teeth in the morning — and if you switched it up, would it feel weird or fine? If it feels weird, it might be a ritual. Here’s the podcast: How Turning Habits Into Rituals Can Help You At Home, At Work, And When You’re Anxious | Michael Norton (danharris.com)

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Watched the video this morning and can relate on so many levels. There is definitely a beautiful slow process in the making and enjoying of tea. And like Vicki, I too take mine in a clear cup in the morning. Though sometimes my afternoon tea is enjoyed in pretty vintage tea cups. I wish I could show you my collection. Many of them meaningful. If only you guys lived closer, you could come for tea.
    I loved the quote you read. So true and analogous to life. 💕

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It would be so wonderful to be able to share a cup of tea with you, Alegria! I bet your vintage tea cups have a wonderful story that would be fantastic to share! Maybe someday – I hope!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Awesome post! I was reading this as I drank my own tea haha! I love the comparison you made about the process of making tea and making sense of life— I can definitely agree with that. Tea is so comforting and I love that satisfactory feeling when I make it just right. Not to mention the numerous health benefits of a lot of different teas. I could go on and on! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I love my cuppa! I make 2 insulated tumblers full with black tea, lemon and Matcha. Keeps me going for the day at the office.

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  9. I think I picked up the habit of savoring a cup of tea from my mother, who always sipped a cup of hot tea every night from my earliest memories growing up. It is the perfect antidote for stress, along with a wonderful warm bath. Thanks for this lovely share Wynne and Vicki! 🍵🛀🏻☕

    Liked by 1 person

  12. “Both Vicki and I like the ritual because it slows us down.” So true, Wynne. I drink tea every day now that the weather is cooling. There’s something “artistic” about it. I’ve been to several tea ceremonies, and the rituals are beautiful. 🙂

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  19. I do enjoy your conversations, and it’s an extra treat when it’s just two so we get into more of your thoughts.

    There really is something about the act of sitting down with tea that compels us to slow down and be in the moment. Nepo’s passage is beautiful and draws meaningful parallels between tea and life itself. That passage about pouring hot water over the dried tea and comparing it life itself is such beautiful prose.

    Tea reminds me of my long departed Pa who always made it part of his daily ritual and by osmosis, mine too. 💕🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love that tea was one of your Pa’s rituals and yours too. Thank you for your kind words – so grateful to have you listen. And to have you on the podcast was such a treat. We need to do another!!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Another nourishing podcast episode from you guys! To see making a cup of tea as a way for a moment to slow down during your day. Also, Mark Nepo’s passage is wonderful. I raise my cup of jasmine green tea to you guys and this episode. Yep, I’m a big tea fan. And I don’t worry about steeping time. I just put the tea bag into the mug and forget it. 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

  21. It’s really nice how people connect with tea on such a deep level. The way everyone shares their own tea rituals and such. It’s about slowing down and creating peace. I love how this community makes something as simple as tea feel meaningful and special for each person.

    Liked by 1 person

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  25. I am a firm believer in life rituals. One of my favorite rituals is retrieving the Sunday paper from my driveway and making a delicious cup of chai. This simple act allows me the opportunity to slow down and be fully present in the moment to catch up with what is happening in my community and around the world. – I love that quote, and the start of this post. Thank you for sharing.

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