Recently, I started a 10-20 minute practice designed to help me savor two of my favorite things, baked goods and tea.  A friend’s birthday party was the inspiration.  Her high tea celebration made sipping a hot beverage and nibbling on something freshly baked in the company of friends an exalted, exquisite experience. 

High tea made me finally say to myself, “The hell with deprivation and control.  I’m going to eat cookies and biscuits and pie and cake every day if I want it, as long as it’s accompanied by tea.”

 It would be a planned event.  A moment I would spend with myself.  A moment I would stop everything and make time for savoring.

Here’s the recipe with all the magical ingredients included:

Light a candle near the spot where you will savor your tea and treat.  That way, by the time you are ready, the room will be filled with the golden glow of flame and fragrance if it’s scented.

Set water to boil on a burner.  The burner is important.  Warm your fingers in the steam.  Hear the force of energy making the bubbles rise.

Arrange 1-2 cookies or a small slice of cake or pie on the most beautiful plate you have and place on a serving tray.  Fold a napkin.  Align utensils according to decorum.

If it’s before bedtime, select an herbal tea.  Morning or afternoon something with caffeine, maybe even coffee. 

Place the tea bag in the most elegant cup you have, preferably one with a matching saucer. Try to keep it 6-8oz.  A size you can savor and finish in the time you have.

Once the water boils, pour it over the tea bag.  Enjoy the sound of it lapping against the sides of the cup.  Again, savor the steam.  Set the timer.  Finish arranging your tray.  Add a flower (optional).

When the tea is steeped, carry the tray to the cozy corner where your candle is burning.  Wrap up in a blanket.  Sit askance, preferably near a window. 

Take a deep breath.  Smile. Sip.  Take a bite.  Pause.  Repeat. Don’t go anywhere.  Keep tasting and smelling the tea, the sweetness, and the gooey crumbles.  Relax.  Savor. Be.  5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20….whatever time you have, however long you need.

This is a practice that won’t let you down.  Peace and deep contentment come from knowing that the perfect moment is always possible, even if you only have a few of them.

-Radiance Writer

 February 19, 2023