Last week a blogger buddy sent me this article on tea rituals. The concept of creating a ritual from having tea is not only ancient, a practice developed in scores of cultures throughout time, but beautiful too. The act of offering a cup of tea as a sign of appreciation and gratitude is disarmingly simple. It's the thoughtfulness of preparing the tea. Intention. I like to think that a tea ritual can be enjoyed between two people or with just yourself. If I can seize a moment or two of contemplation as I dip my spoon of honey into my mug of tea then I receive two blessings--tea and appreciation. Both are willful acts, in a way.
If you lived closer, I would invite you over for tea this afternoon and maybe a plate of butter cookies as in the top photo. I would make the pot of tea with the intention of expressing my gratitude for you and your beautiful creativity and the friendship forming here.
PS. don't forget to vote today!
23 comments:
I have been really enjoying afternoon tea with my husband. We both work from home and take a 20 minute break in the afternoon to have tea. There is a fantastic little tea shop right around the corner from us that has THE best tea. It changed how I feel about tea completely.
These beautiful photos are so soothing! I think I could use a tea ritual, particularly as I sit around on pins and needles today. I tend to drink tea mindlessly, all day, but maybe today I'll make a point of sitting down and really relaxing.
i'm more of a coffee person but would def drink lots of tea with you, lovely julia! ohhh if only we lived a few thousand miles closer...
I can totally relate to this...although the culture i grew up with, they would have coffee any day over the tea, greek cofee that is which take just as much work in to making. I am not a tea person, but i want to become one to just enjoy the amazing routine. Now, if we lived closer, i would have tea with you Jewels any day.
I am such a coffee person...but for some reason really, really wish that I was more of a tea person. It just seems cozier to me somehow, haha. Not that I don't enjoy a good cup of tea now and then...and would certainly accept any invitation of yours! :)
I would get out my grandmother's teapot and brew a nice pot of Darjeeling, bake you some madelienes or if i was really frisky and English, some scones and jam and sit down for a really good conversation with one of my favorite bloggers: you!
I loved reading this post while drinking my tea. Beautiful images as well.
Yes yes yes! Tea = AMAZING. :) Great photos too!!
And I did vote!! :) This is the first election I can vote!
your blog is just so pretty and visually pleasing.
boy do I wish I lived closer... tea, cookies, letterpress, design friend! Man- I need to move :)
we should have a virtual tea party! i really love those images - you always find the prettiest. i treated myself to some harney & sons, paris, tea this weekend and it is so pretty not to mention tasty.
I'm a tea gal...I'd love to join you some time :)
and sit in that regal nook in the top right photo!
lovely post!
i would love to have tea with you and I would bring my homemade shortbread (butter cookies)
I made shortbread this weekend. Recipe from my cousin in Scotland. mmmm
callie
I just love these images--you find the best inspiration and the idea of a tea ritual...brilliant! I must try this.
oh yes...please come to my house for tea....I love this post! xxoo
oh a cup of tea and cookies sounds delicious, the perfect way to spend the afternoon!
: )
How 'bout some tea and saffron buns? Your greatgrandma always told us to "get our money" off the top of our cup of tea. The money were the bubbles!
Oh, I'm not really a tea person, but you made it look like I'm missing something with the way you regard tea time. Hmmmm...maybe I just can't get the right tea taste, that's why I've never appreciated it. ):
Cool! I love Daily OM articles. Do you know how you have certain visceral sensory memories? That is how I feel about Indian tea. Dinner parties with my parents and our family friends growing up and at the end they always make chai from scratch. I still can't make it exactly the way they do, but a little cardamom always takes me back. No one has used the word sacred yet, but that is how I feel about it. This ritual is sacred. In a world that encourages fast-paced movement and technology that is furthering a sense of disconnection between individuals make a cup/pot of tea is about stopping, slowing down and being conscious of each moment.
Beautifully said.
I love having a tea ritual...I would say my mornings consist of that! I've heard it brings about peace and good routine to your day - keeps you centered. I love it...and these amazing photos - wow girl!
For some reason, I don't enjoy hot drinks. No coffee. No tea. No hot chocolate. Tea, only when I'm sick. I don't know what that's about. But it's too bad, because a tea ritual sounds so nice. In theory.
I adore tea and I find it to be a ritual. My dear English friend taught me to make proper English tea and I think of her every time I make a cup. My sister and I always have tea together when she stops by for a visit. I am quite particular about tea....but tea is just pure comfort in a cup! Great post!
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