Tea Cup Meditation

Tea Cup Meditation

Hi, it’s Joyce from the YMCA of Laurel Highlands. 

Now that I am back to teaching classes I have discovered a renewed passion for my Yoga classes.  I teach 3 classes each week at different levels.  On Tuesdays I meet in the Dance Studio with some lovely ladies and lead a seated Yoga class called YogaStretch.   On Thursdays I teach Christian Yoga, which incorporates Contemporary Christian Music along with basic Yoga poses and a blessing to end our class.  Saturdays we meet outside by the pavilion for Sunshine Yoga.  Unfortunately it rained this week so we met in the Fitness Loft for our class.  Now what does all this have to do with a Tea Cup Meditation?  I’m getting to that.

This Thursday as I was sitting at my kitchen island, I poured myself a second cup of tea, green tea with honey.  I watched the steam rise from the cup and I thought how peaceful it was to watch and thought about putting that feeling into words to share with my class.  So here is my “Tea Cup Meditation” that I used to relax my class and sent them on their way home with a Black Cherry tea bag.

Prepare your teacup.  Pull out the special one in the back of your cupboard.  Put the tea bag, sugar, honey and or cream into the cup ready for the boiling water.  Pour in the water, watch the steam rise from your cup.  Feel the steam on your face as you inhale the fragrance of the tea.  Hold the cup in both hands and enjoy the warmth.  Now find a quiet place to sit and slow down.  Relax as you take your first sip.  Feel the tea on your tongue, notice the warmth as it goes down your throat into your belly.  Now pause, breathe, be at peace, take this time to know that you are loved and cared for by the Creator of the Universe.  You are special.  You are important.  You are blessed so you can be a blessing.  Take another sip and simply say, “Thank You.”

I’ll bet you didn’t know that tea is also good for your health.  Studies have found that tea helps reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.  It can also encourage weight loss, lower cholesterol, and keep you alert.  Check out the article on www.webmd.com, “Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits” for more interesting facts about tea.  According to Diane L. McKay, PhD from Tuft’s University, “It’s not just about the foods; it’s about what you drink as well, that can contribute to your health.”

Now don’t just take my word for it.  Try it yourself. Have a cup of tea.  I mean it!  And try a Yoga class while you’re at it.