In this episode, I introduce the Chinese 5 elements and the Tea Mind system as we take a deep dive into how you can harness the Water element, while pausing for white tea to increase your adaptability, intuition and sense of calm.

I give you an overview of how the natural cycles of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water influence practically everything, including our own personal well-being practices.

These introductory episodes give you enough insights so that you can get the most out of forthcoming episodes and conversations so that you can easily build regular pauses for tea into your daily life and do some tea routines so you can create more balance (whatever that means to you) and thrive a little more.

I explore ways in which the Water element symbolises adaptability, intuition, and calm and governs emotions like fear and brings a reflective energy to life.

Here’s the steps for the goal setting tea routine I discuss:

* Preparation: Choose a tea that resonates with Water—perhaps a dark, earthy puerh or a soothing herbal infusion like chamomile.

* Mindful Pouring: As you pour the water, pay attention to its sound and movement. Imagine its flow as a metaphor for your adaptability and inner strength.

* Reflection During Brewing: Observe the leaves as they unfurl. Practice gratitude for the water that sustains this process and nurtures your being.

* Sipping with Intention: Hold your cup, feel its warmth, and savour each sip. Reflect on what it means to flow with life’s challenges, nourishing yourself as water nourishes the Earth.

* Grounding Ritual: Finish with a simple grounding practice, like visualising roots connecting you to the Earth, anchoring the fluidity of Water in your life.

I encourage you to choose a couple of ways you will incorporate the Water element into your life this week, be that mindful movement, journaling, getting in more water or something else and notice your capacity of growth, resilience, and renewal.

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Hi, I’m Erica, and I hope your week is off to a fantastic start! I’m so thrilled you’re here. If you’re new, welcome to The Tea Mind – a warm, cosy space where we pause for tea to reconnect with ourselves, rebalance our body and mind, and savour life’s moments before they slip away.

In each episode, we explore how something as simple as a cup of tea can be a gateway to mindfulness, mental fitness, and a more present way of living. With inspiring tea routines, thought-provoking insights, and heartfelt conversations with amazing guests, this is your dedicated time to pause, rebalance, and thrive.

“Life moves fast, but your tea doesn’t have to. So, pop the kettle on, grab your favourite mug, and let’s dive into the art of living with a Tea Mind."

Join me for the first episode on Jan 7 2025 when I’ll be diving into the Water element and relevant tea routines. New episodes every Tuesday.

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.