by Debbie Woodbury, founder WhereWeGoNow.com
My meditation practice has been getting a little more “practiced.” I've been using fallow field visualization and it’s really helping me understand my need to stop and sit quietly. The more I do it, the more I realize how important a few minutes to myself are. I’m glad I’m making the effort. Now, I’m also trying to devote a few more minutes throughout my busy day to “awareness.” One of my favorite ways to do this is called “tea meditation.”
I don’t know about you, but I love tea. It’s comforting and healthy, especially green tea. Studies show that "tea contains polyphenol compounds, particularly catechins, which are antioxidants and whose biological activities may be relevant to cancer prevention." Even though studies are inconclusive whether tea is relevant to cancer prevention, we might as well drink up because it can't hurt to take the good effects of tea on cancer prevention on faith.
The process of tea meditation is really nothing more than letting yourself concentrate on one thing at a time. While you make the tea, think only of what you are doing, really hear the pot sing to you and be aware of each motion you make. Then, take a comfortable seat and hold onto the cup with both hands. As you drink in the tea, savor the taste and smell. How does it feel as it warms your mouth and travels down your throat? Can you feel your entire body warming and relaxing?
Maybe a hot cup of tea isn’t your passion. If not, make sure to find something that is and take time to really experience and savor it. By taking quiet moments for yourself, you are creating the space you need to recharge.
Let me know what you do to find your quiet place. It’s not hard to do and it doesn’t take a long time. What it takes is the ability to stop for a while and concentrate on one thing only. We can get back to multi-tasking later.
ABOUT: Debbie Woodbury is a cancer survivor, blogger, speaker and advocate. She created WhereWeGoNow.com, an interactive online community for cancer survivors living life beyond cancer. Join her to share and connect with other survivors!
http://www.wherewegonow.com
Twitter: DebbieWWGN
Facebook: WhereWeGoNow.com with Debbie Woodbury