11:11 Waves Blog 82: Tea 

Weekly ideas to stimulate reflection, inspire new possibilities and encourage new ways of doing and being. 

1. Test the water 

This week’s word is: Tea 

Tea is a beverage made by steeping cured, dried or fresh tea leaves, herbs, flowers, fruits or spices in hot water. It's known for its various types, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas.  

The word "tea" in English has diverse origins reflecting the global spread of tea culture. The earliest term, "cha," entered England in the 1590s through Portuguese traders who encountered the Cantonese pronunciation. "Tea" arrived in the 17th century via Dutch traders calling it “thee”, who likely got it from the Malay "teh" or from Chinese (Amoy dialect) "t’e". 

What role does tea play in your own life or culture? Discuss the question here. 

2. Experience the initial wave 

To broaden your perspective, take a few minutes to read the following thoughts and notice what comes up for you. 

I. 

“A cup of tea is the answer to most of life’s problems.” Anonymous 

II. 

“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.” William Ewart Gladstone 

To explore how tea can enhance your wellbeing in even more ways, visit this insightful website, which offers a detailed list of 100 health and wellness benefits of tea. From boosting your immune system and aiding digestion to improving mental clarity and reducing stress, you'll find a wealth of information on how tea can positively impact various aspects of your health. 

III. 

Tea by sea, Cha by land. Discover why the global vocabulary for tea primarily revolves around two key terms: "tea" and "cha." Explore the map below to uncover how historical trade routes and cultural exchanges influenced the development of these terms across different regions. 

 Source: A Geo-linguistic map of Tea (WIP) 

3. Dive deep 

Tea holds a very special place in many cultures, deeply intertwined with social customs, rituals, traditions, and daily life. Tea is not just a beverage but a reflection of values such as respect, harmony, and mindfulness.  As an example, Japanese tea rituals are deeply rooted in tradition and embody a profound respect for the art of tea preparation and consumption. "In serving tea, we practice omotenashi, offering a piece of our heart in each cup." Omotenashi is a Japanese concept that embodies the spirit of hospitality, attention to detail, care and respect. Inspired by this concept, this week I invite you to reflect on the following questions:  

• How does the concept of omotenashi influence your interactions with others in daily life? Can you think of a recent experience where you practiced or observed omotenashi? 

• What are some practical ways you can incorporate elements of omotenashi into your daily routines, whether in hosting a meeting, collaborating with colleagues, or interacting with friends and family? 

4. Ride your radiant wave 

This week, I invite you to use tea as a tool to anchor yourself in the present moment. Drinking tea is one thing, but enjoying it requires you to be in the moment. Here’s how you can turn your tea time into a practice of presence: 

1. Choose your Tea mindfully: Select a tea that appeals to you and take a moment to appreciate your choice. If you need a bit of inspiration, check out my quarterly Top 3 Teas list for some great suggestions! 

1. Prepare with Intention: As you prepare your tea, focus on each step. Notice the steam rising, the aroma of the leaves, and the process of steeping. Let each action be a meditation in itself. 

1. Engage Your Senses: As you enjoy your tea, savour each sip slowly, notice the warmth of the cup in your hands, observe the colour of the tea as it brews, breathe in the aroma, feel the weight of your cup etc. 

1. Practice Mindfulness: Use the act of drinking tea as a way to center yourself and remain in the present moment. 

1. Reflect: After your tea, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Notice how being present with your tea has affected your mood and awareness. 

   
   

By integrating these steps into your tea routine, you can transform your tea time into a mindful practice, helping you stay grounded and appreciate the simplicity of the present moment. Enjoy your journey into mindful tea drinking!