Tea brewing rituals
In our fast-paced lives, finding moments of calm can be challenging, but one of the simplest ways to slow down and center yourself is by creating a personal tea brewing ritual.
How to craft a moment of calm in your day
Tea has long been associated with mindfulness and relaxation, and by establishing your own routine, you can transform the simple act of making tea into a daily ritual of calm and presence. In this guide, we’ll show you how to craft your perfect tea brewing ritual, from warming the pot to measuring leaves, using The Beanery’s premium teas.
Why create a tea brewing ritual?
A tea ritual is more than just making a cup of tea—it’s about creating space in your day to pause, reflect, and enjoy a mindful moment. Whether it’s part of your morning routine, a midday reset, or an evening wind-down, a tea brewing ritual can help you cultivate calm, focus, and intention. Plus, with the right setup, each cup of tea becomes an opportunity to reconnect with yourself.
Setting up your tea ritual space
Creating a calm environment is key to fully immersing yourself in your tea brewing ritual. Here’s how to set the stage for your mindful tea experience:
- Find a quiet Spot: Choose a peaceful corner in your home where you can be free from distractions. This could be your kitchen, living room, or even a cozy nook with natural light.
- Gather your Tools: Have all your tea tools—like your teapot, infuser, tea leaves, and cups—organized and within reach. This eliminates any need to rush, allowing you to focus entirely on the ritual.
- Add ambiance: Consider adding soft lighting, calming music, or even a candle to enhance the relaxing atmosphere.
Guide to crafting your tea brewing ritual
1. Choose your tea intentionally
Start by selecting the tea that fits the moment. Are you looking to energize, relax, or reflect? The type of tea you choose can align with how you want to feel. The Beanery offers a variety of teas, from energizing black teas to soothing herbal blends.
- Morning: Opt for a green or black tea to gently wake your senses.
- Midday: Try a light oolong or white tea to refresh and re-energize.
- Evening: Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos are perfect for unwinding before bed.
💡 Take a moment to smell the tea leaves before brewing. Notice the aromas and allow yourself to appreciate the subtle fragrances, setting the tone for a mindful tea session.
2. Warm the pot and cups
Warming your teapot and cups is an essential part of any tea ritual. It helps maintain the ideal brewing temperature and signals the beginning of your tea-making process.
- Pour hot water into the teapot and cups to preheat them.
- Swirl the water around for a few seconds and then discard it.
This small, intentional act prepares both the tea and your mind for the brewing process ahead.
3. Measure the tea leaves with care
Measuring your tea leaves mindfully is at the heart of a tea brewing ritual. Use a tea scoop or teaspoon to measure out the correct amount of tea, typically 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 6-8 ounces of water.
- Take a moment to notice the texture and color of the leaves.
- Handle the tea with care, as if preparing something precious.
The act of measuring helps you focus on the present, grounding you in the experience of brewing your tea.
4. Brew with intention
The brewing process is where the magic of tea unfolds. Pay attention to the type of tea you’re using and its ideal water temperature and steeping time.
- Green tea: 75-80°C (170-175°F), steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Black tea: 95°C (200-205°F), steep for 4-5 minutes.
- Herbal tea: 95-100°C (200-212°F), steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Oolong tea: 85-90°C (185-195°F), steep for 3-5 minutes.
As the tea steeps, observe how the leaves unfurl and release their flavors. Use this time to breathe deeply and relax, perhaps taking a moment to reflect or simply enjoy the quiet.
5. Pour slowly and mindfully
When your tea is ready, pour it slowly and carefully into your cup. Notice the steam rising and the rich color of the brew as it fills your cup.
- Pour with mindfulness, appreciating the simple act of transferring the tea from pot to cup.
- In Gongfu tea ceremonies, the pouring process is treated as part of the ritual itself, creating a continuous flow of calm and presence.
6. Savor the tea with gratitude
Now comes the best part—drinking your tea. But don’t rush! This is your moment to truly savor the flavors and aromas. Hold the cup with both hands, take a deep breath, and sip slowly.
- Focus on the taste of the tea, the warmth of the cup, and the sensations it creates in your body.
- Let go of any distractions or worries, and allow yourself to be fully immersed in the present moment.
💡 As you drink, express gratitude for the tea, the ritual, and the calm it brings into your day. This small act of mindfulness can shift your perspective and help you feel more centered.
Personalizing your tea ritual
Your tea brewing ritual should reflect your unique preferences and lifestyle. Here are some ideas for personalizing your tea time:
- Incorporate meditation: Use the brewing process as a form of moving meditation. Focus on your breath as you measure, brew, and pour, letting each step become part of your mindfulness practice.
- Journal while you brew: If you enjoy journaling, use your tea ritual as a time to reflect. You could write about how you’re feeling in the moment, or jot down thoughts that arise during the brewing process.
- Create a morning or evening routine: Make tea a part of your morning or evening routine. In the morning, let it help you start the day with intention. In the evening, let it signal the transition to relaxation and rest.