Nudged: Slow Down and Savor the Moment with Tea

By Denise Pines, Guest Nudger

Denise Pines is a creative thinker—and do-er!—and I was thrilled when she accepted my invitation to write a guest post. I’ll be following her lead for this week’s Nudge, and I hope you’ll join us. — Kathleen

Allow me to share my journey into the world of tea, a ritual that transcended my British roots and became my sanctuary for well-being. Growing up in the UK, daily afternoon tea and crumpets were woven into the fabric of my childhood, a ritual we continued even after we moved to the US. However, when I left for college, this cherished tradition stayed behind, only to be rediscovered during a challenging period of chronic insomnia and debilitating fatigue caused by parasites.

In my pursuit of healing, I found relief in a naturopathic doctor who, with a personalized tea remedy, miraculously restored my well-being in just two weeks after struggling for five years. This transformative experience ignited my appreciation for the healing power of tea and prompted me to explore its diverse forms—from combating colds and flus to managing upset stomachs and sleep.

Then a hot flash came and my desire to solve it naturally led me to co-found Tea Botanics with that very doctor, offering a range of teas designed to support women through various menopausal symptoms from hot flashes and night sweats to brain fog and mood swings.

Now, I’ve seamlessly reintegrated tea into my daily routine (discarding crumpets and unnecessary calories) to embrace my heritage.

My tea journey has led me to discover intriguing varieties such as matcha, maté, rooibos, and pu’er, sourced from diverse regions like Morocco, Kenya, India, and Taiwan. While I initially leaned towards the convenience of tea bags, my maturation over the years has underscored the importance of slowing down and savoring the moment.

Embracing the art of brewing loose-leaf tea, once deemed antiquated and time-consuming, has become a cherished ritual of mindfulness in my daily life.

This week, I invite you to join me in slowing down with a steaming cup of tea. Take a moment to peruse your pantry, unearth a forgotten tea, and indulge in the simple pleasure of brewing a cup. Whether it’s the gentle whistle of a tea kettle or the fragrant dance of hot water meeting leaves, allow yourself to be fully present in the experience. And as you raise your cup to your lips, take a moment to appreciate the centuries-old tradition, the subtle artistry, and the simple joy of slowing down with a cup of tea.

What Happened: Kathleen here. Drinking tea is something I do regularly, with a meal, while I work, on the go. This week, I took in Denise’s suggestions and took my time. A pause in a busy day. Delighting my senses as I took deep, scented breaths while the leaves steeped. Sips, not gulps. A few minutes of doing “nothing.”

Ahhhhh….

Denise has more to say on this: “As I delve into the art of brewing loose-leaf tea, I’ve come to appreciate the deliberate pace it imposes, encouraging introspection and mindfulness. Whether it’s the reassuring sound of a tea kettle or the aromatic dance that unfolds as hot water meets leaves, every step is an invitation to be present in the moment and every cup tells a story, a symphony of taste and tradition.

“Indeed, tea-drinking transcends cultural boundaries, weaving a tapestry of tradition and ritual across continents. From the serene elegance of Japan’s tea ceremony to the cozy comforts of British teatime, tea is more than a beverage. It’s a shared experience, a moment of respite in a hectic world.”

Pictured is Denise’s cherished tea set from Morocco, which she says “adds a touch of joy to the brewing process, elevating it from routine to ritual.”

The Ah-Hahs: What a simple act with profound benefits. I love Denise’s descriptions: “a moment of respite in a hectic world” and “a cherished ritual of mindfulness.” Indeed.

Were you inspired to try a new-to-you tea this week? Please share your experience with us in Comments.