Tea Meditation
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Meditation is a holistic practice. It benefits not just your body, but your mind, emotions and soul (if you believe you have a soul). But are put off by the word "mediation"? Do you think it's just about sitting in the lotus position chanting OM with clouds of incense around your head? Meditation is being fully in the present moment. It's such a great tool for overall health and happiness; its definition should not be limited. Have you ever seen a do guarding a house? They are totally aware of nothing but what is in front of their noses, quivering with excitement even if the scene before them hasn't changed much in years. That is a form of meditation.
Yogi, Put The Kettle On
You can meditate while walking, performing archery or drinking a cup of your favorite tea. You just bring your awareness totally in the moment. Don't mull over the past and don't worry about the future. Of course, this is much easier typed than done! Most people (including this writer) have what is called "monkey mind" - it keeps leaping from one topic to another.
Don't waste time chiding yourself about not being a "good mediator". Just gently bring your attention back to what you are doing. Don't compare your meditation efforts with others. You'll do it when you do it. And one of the most enjoyable ways is by drinking a cup of tea.
You can begin the meditation with the making of the tea or with the brewed tea already in front of you. You think only about what mug to select, the sound and smell of the kettle being filled, the wonder of the whistle and the singing sensation when the first sip reaches your lips. Approach this cup of tea as if it is the first cup of tea you ever had, and just sink into the sensations of that cup of tea so that the universe consists of only you, the cup of tea, and sitting.
The meditation is as long or as short as your body is comfortable with. You'll know if it's a been a good session because your heartbeat will slow down, your breathing will deepen and you will feel refreshed but not hyper. Then, you go on with the rest of your day.
Comments
Interesting hub, I agree it can be easy to completely miss the point of meditation by putting too much 'effort' into worrying about if you're meditating correctly. I laughed when I read your concept of meditating while making tea, but I guess it is all about focus, and learning to isolate your focus!
Pres, you're right that breathing is very important with meditation. You can start by simply lying down, closing your eyes, clearing your mind and concentrating on taking deep, slow, consistant breaths. While your meditating you can start by focusing on your breathing and feeling the individual muscles in your body. You can find plenty of meditation books and CD's at your library if you're feeling a little lost, or just have a look around the web. I have some basic steps beginner meditators on my website, checkout my hubs.
Interesting! Tea Meditation... That was new to me.
You have to be in the moment to have tea in space.
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Pres says:
2 years ago
If you do not have a group of people to teach you meditation, or like you put it, OM while sitting in lotus, or half lotus, where do you start, and how do you know you're doing it right? Breathing is so important; where can one learn more about the proper breath?