Ever Heard of Tea Meditation?

Walking down Tower Bridge Road, my eyes were looking out for door number 63. I walked past the most beautiful flower shop I had ever seen… the windows filled with exotic plants, foreign smells, and colourful objects. I stopped in my tracks but realised I was going to be late for the Tea and Meditation Workshop so continued walking. I walked about 2 blocks when I realised I didn’t know even where I was,I looked at the closest door and realised I’d gone too far. I retraced my steps getting further and further until I reached the block where the flower shop was, as the numbers counted down 68,67,66,64 (no it can’t be) 63….!!  To my absolute, disbelief and overwhelming delight I put two and two together. The Tea Meditation is taking place in this florist. Have I died and gone to heaven?

I walk in with a spring in my step, and am greeted by two beautiful Eastern European ladies who lead me to the back of the shop, with no time to look or smell the flowers. The room has a different vibe back here its darker, the walls are painted with jewel like tones of bold Reds, Rich Greens and Blues . We take a seat at an old oak wooden table , unbeknown what this workshop entails. Lera the magical host, begins by introducing the class;  beautiful Chinese music looms in the background and ornate tea objects sit in front of us. I feel in awe and soon realise this is a really something magical.

“Tea meditation” she says, is an active form of mindfullness. It contains the same principles, focusing on the now , on the state we are in this very moment. Uncomfortable. stressful, happy whatever the feeling observe it, don’t try to change it. “With tea meditation we bring forth these ideologies and incorporate them into the senses, into how we handle the tea, how we touch, smell, taste the tea” she explains that tea meditation is an ancient ritual, and if observed properly a true art form.

We were led into a quick relaxation meditation, before the tea process began. It was an experience like no other, a journey into another world, time and place. I won’t go into the in depth magical experience I had as i’ll leave you to discover and journey into your own. All I’ll say is this is a must. Its a day I will never forget, recreating such a sacred honourable tradition which left me feeling absolutely elevated + cultured.

Book here: http://uk.funzing.com/funz/3658