As you sit down to contemplate Monday’s spring reflection prompts, I encourage you to light a candle and make a cuppa tea.

For me, tea signifies a pause, an exhale. A chance to get present and drop into reflection mode.

Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves—slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.”

Each morning I turn on the kettle and listen as the water turns to a rolling boil. I pour it into my cup and watch the water fill the space.

Then I choose my tea. Since discovering The Qi’s Shangri-La Rose Whole Flower Tea (featured in these photos), I’ve been obsessed.

Fun fact: this one-of-a-kind high mountain rose is cultivated in Shangri-La at 10,000 feet above sea level. The special varietal yields the boldest nutrients, flavonoids, and aroma as it is from the most prized 1st pick of Spring.

I carefully unwrap it, breathe it in, and set it into the water.

After letting it steep and become saturated, I carefully remove it to make two more cups later in the day.

Then I take the cup, wrap my hands around it, hold the warmth, and sip slowly.

I love everything rose—candles, face masks, rosewater spray, lotion, soap, serums, pastries—and to be able to drink it is a delight!

The ritual of tea connects us to senses. It brings us into the moment and beckons us to slow, sip, and savor. Bisous. x

Check out The Qi

PS I like The Qi so much I agreed to be an affiliate. I hope you, too, will fall in love with their whole flower teas. And they make great gifts for your fellow tea lovers.