“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
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
Surprised By Joy 