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Your assignment: Repeat this experience this week, and please share in the forum what happens for you. Here is the link to the Body Map/Embodied Tea Experience assignment: https://theteaproject.net/topic/mindfulness-practice-embodied-tea-drinking/
1. What challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience?
2. What new awarenesses are arising as you try to tune into your body experience?
3. How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students?
As in the past, read the previous two reflections and notice an asset in one of the comments from each reflection.
1. The most challenging thing I face while tuning in to my body is finding the time to be still and quieting the distractions. I usually do my mindfulness at night in bed. the house is quiet, yet my mind still races. I am able to use my breath to slow my mind and then start my favorite meditation mantra. When I do this with tea, I am usually at my dining room table. I need to really focus in to not allow the distractions of house noise, my dog, or whatever else.
I also do a lot of mindful movement, which is also part of my daily meditation. My body loves and needs to stay in motion. I do daily meditative walks with my dog. she and i look forward to them. These moments of movement bring us both joy, connection, regrounding, and resourcing. I notice my whole body just tingles after our walks and I feel a full body experience.2. A new awareness I have found is my ability to quiet my mind and body through the distractions. I am able to go deper and deeper every time. I feel an awareness in my throat and belly when I do this practice while having tea. I have found a delicious new blend of rose and hibiscus that is so perfect for me and the springtime. It just brings me joy smelling it. I find that once I am enjoying my cup of rose, I already is calm, focused and feeling gratitiude.
3. I hope to continue making this successful in my classroom by practice. My preschoolers are getting used to drinking tea. They even now ask, “What tea are we having today”? They are learning and practicing to slow down and first smell their tea, then taste and drink. It’s a very sweet process and one that took me a bit to get into, but now that we are…it brings joy.
1. What challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience? My biggest challenge is myself! Starting a new routine is difficult for me. Making time to stop, sip, and listen to my body has been my biggest struggle. I am a creature of habit. It is tough to make changes, even when I know they are important. I know I can do this. I have not added this routine into my daily life YET. I have played with it on different days, but I have not been able to implement this mindfulness experience daily…… yet.
2. What new awarenesses are arising as you try to tune into your body experience? When I do use the body scan before bed, I find that I can sleep more peacefully. I am starting to see a correlation between acknowledging my body and sleeping more soundfully. I will continue to monitor this correlation. Sleep is a big struggle for me. I tend to wake up and stay awake for a long time each night. My mind is always busy.
3. How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students? Listening to the audio children’s version of the tea time is so inspiring. I envision this being a beautiful way to start the day for my students. I am ready to try it out. Now I just need to collect all the items for making the tea, and get my tea station set up in my classroom. I am actually excited to begin this nest journey with my kindergarten class. I find listening to Angie on the audio is so soothing and relaxing. I am hoping my students will too enjoy the audio and the teas.
Heather, I too have a hard time finding the time to quiet my own body. I love how you mentioned your pre-k kids love the tea time and are asking for it! That gives me inspiration to get the ball rolling and get out of my comfort zone, which for me is routine, and try something new! I’d love to come visit your class at tea time!
Heather – I very much relate about the struggle to quiet the distractions. I love that this is also a new awareness for you – practicing it has helped you to focus on ways to quiet those distractions. Feels like the point, right? 😊
Lisa – I also enjoy this process before bed – it definitely relaxes my body and mind and helps me to peacefully drift off to sleep.
1. One of the challenges I face is tuning out the distractions around me. I have self-diagnosed ADD, and I feel like every little noise or thought that enters my head pulls me off course. It’s been helpful to have my noise blocking headphones. Another strategy I use is when I breathe in I say, “here”, and when I breathe out I say, “now”. That has been helping me to stay in the moment and fight off distractions.
2. A new awareness I have is to actually feel the tea moving all the way down to my stomach. It l helps me to slow down and actually appreciate the entire process of drinking the tea to feel the immediate effects it has on my body. I’m aware that it warms me from the inside out. I am also becoming aware of the feeling of peace that overcomes me while I sit with my cup of tea and listen to the meditation.
3. The actual process of drinking tea regularly in PE has shown to be difficult just to figure out the logistics of getting my cups cleaned between each class. However, the occasional cup of tea has been wonderful. I think that establishing a regular mindfulness practice with each of my classes is the first step to being successful in this process. Every class we do a short mindfulness practice and/or deep breathing practice. I’ve also been focusing on some “grounding” activities with my classes. My hope is that with the mindfulness practices established, I could perhaps incorporate a tea component for one of their classes each week or every couple of weeks. I also have Friday afternoon time that would allow me to collaborate with classroom teachers and perhaps establish a “tea time” with my classes.
Janna and Heather- I totally agree I can not tune out distractions right now. It seems my world is too loud as well.
1. What challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience?
The main obstacle I’m facing is myself. It’s hard for me to establish a new routine and take the time to tune into my body. I had a good setup going, but my life seems to have flipped in the past few weeks, and I am finding it hard to find the time or keep the distractions away.
2. When I practice a body scan before bed, I have always had a hard time sleeping – a really hard time sleeping. I’ve noticed that I’m able to sleep a bit more quickly. I’m starting to see a connection between being mindful of my body and getting better sleep. Sleep has always been a challenge for me, as I tend to stay awake for extended periods of time.
3. How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students?
I have been offering daily tea in the library (not this week norovirus going around – no sharing anything). And doing daily mediations with my students.1. What challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience?
I struggle to have an independent mindfulness practice because I have trouble switching from teacher/mom mode which feels like I am constantly rushing and planning and managing the behavior of others to turning that off completely and reaching a feeling of complete relaxation. I notice that my body is extremely tight and tense. Especially if I have to sit up to do mindfulness the pain in my neck and back makes it almost impossible to relax. This makes mindfulness with tea very challenging for me.2. What new awarenesses are arising as you try to tune into your body experience?
I am finding mindfulness to be easier this spring. I think because my workload is feeling easier as I get more used to teaching and I am not taking a second class. I find it much easier to become mindful when I am in a space where I feel supported to do that. If I am getting a massage I can experience over an hr of deep mindfulness and breathwork. If I am in a yin-style yoga class or using guided meditation I also find that helps. Often just getting out of my house or classroom is helpful. I do find I am able to reset with 3-5 deep breaths and notice the release of tension in my body if I take that moment. This could be combined with tea drinking in the morning.
3. How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students?
In my classroom I have struggled with the practice of mindful tea because a lot of students don’t want to drink the tea. Also, the students want to talk while they are drinking the tea. Sometimes when they are really tired they like to lie down while I sing to them and rub their head or back. The problem with this is often some children really like it and want to do it and others don’t and are disruptive. I also find if I do it every day it loses the novelty and they don’t seem to engage as positively. We are able to do 3 deep breaths and a mindful chime throughout the day and that consistently goes well.
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Roberta Melnick
FEBRUARY 28, 2023 AT 2:57 PM #8921
1. What challenges do you face when tuning into your body?
Well, I tune in fairly well and the tea helped even more. One challenge that I have faced is it being too quiet. So, I put on some light background music and focus on my breath. I’ve learned that complete stillness in the complete quiet doesn’t always serve me, therefore the background music is helpful.2. New awareness: The tea is a great vehicle for noticing how my body reacts. Having a visualization is a key for me when doing this type of practice, so the warm tea ~ the kinesthetic awareness helped me to ‘feel’ the vibration of the tea going down my throat and putting a warm blanket on my belly area.
3. Making it happen in the classr: We do drink tea regularly and many noted the positive effects right away. Many felt ‘at home,’ and told stories about their grandmother, or whomever they knew that drinks tea. Some students were inspired to bring in tea, etc. Last week when I attempted a guided mediation with my 4th graders, there was some giggling… we had some laughs ~ next time, I will spread them out more and maybe do a smaller group. Most of the kids enjoyed the quiet time that was focused on their breath… For this, I will do a small group and do the body map exercise as well because that will help solidify the objective.
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RachelWhat challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience?
My mind often wanders when I meditate. It helps to have a guided meditation, and still I find my mind wanders. There are so many things going on in my brain (home/family life, work/student life, my own life), it’s hard to slow down and focus.What new awarenesses are arising as you try to tune into your body experience?
Drinking the tea and focusing on where I feel it in my body helps me focus my attention within. Having this sensation is different than just breathing or thinking of different mindfulness actions. It adds an element that really awakens much more inside my body.How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students?
I currently drink tea inside the classroom and outside in the forest with my preschool students. Some of them really enjoy this practice; while others will not even take a “no thank you” sip. I think the more I expose them to tea drinking, the more they will be willing to try it. Also, as they grow the herbs and actively take part in caring for and then harvesting the herbs, hopefully they will take more stewardship in the act of tea drinking. So, I would like to drink MORE tea with my students, and then gradually engage them in feeling the tea in their bodies.Kelly Perline
Module 3 Assignment: Tea Mindfulness Reflections1. What challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience?
The first challenge I experienced was comical, yet not so funny in the moment. I realized I must read the ingredient list more carefully when drinking commercially sold packaged tea. After ingesting an allergen, I realized I could feel my throat tightening, my mouth tingling and my stomach tensing. Afterword, as I continued the practice on the following days, I noticed anticipatory tensing in my body: my legs and bottom tightened, my toes curled, and my heart raced. I found holding the warm mug and breathing in the fragrance with a few cleansing breaths to be grounding and soothing. I notice that it is challenging for me to notice where in my body the tea is extending it’s energy to. I feel the warm liquid move through my mouth, and down my esophagus yet I have to imagine the dripping into my stomach and where in my body it may be benefiting me. Mindfulness is a lifelong and crucial practice for me. Quieting my mind continues to be a challenge after many years of practicing. Moving mindfulness such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and walking meditation help me to ground and focus. Seated formal meditation continues to be a weaker practice for me. I tend to slide more easily into prayer and journeying… I am continuing to learn how to to just “be”.2. What new awareness’s are arising as you try to tune into your body experience?
I have incorporated the daily tea meditation practice into my morning routine prior to my reiki meditation. I am finding that a mild tea and or only warm water is most soothing at this time. I used to drink primarily a cup of black coffee (which I love) yet I am noticing having contemplative tea moments prior to my reiki to be stabilizing. The tea gently brings me into focus and I feel subtle energy shifting and moving within my hands and feet. Its subtle yet I think my felt sense of gravity is becoming stronger (feeling weight more easily) and I can feel my alignment, or lack of it, and make adjustments. I feel nourished to start my morning practice. It is subtle and warm. I have been in awe of and marveling over the beauty held within the simple, mundane, the ‘unremarkable’ that offers a light spark of joy. The animal image that sometimes appears in my mind’s eye is the image of a hummingbird and at times I feel a tingling sensation at my hair follicles… I smile and let it pass. I feel lighthearted as I offer my distant reiki sessions. I like to imagine this is having a positive influence on the reiki energy shared during these sessions.3. How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students?
When I have a class, I experience the most success when I incorporate ritual, routine, and consistency. I like to maintain a consistent flow so students know relatively what to expect and thus can settle in and relax more easily. I start out as a facilitator and guide and as the students gain comfort and confidence they take ownership and we are all participating and learning together. I would want a consistent space for the tea making to occur, and have a consistent routine for preparing, serving, settling in, experiencing, sharing/processing, closing and cleaning. In my ideal world it would be lovely to incorporate tea and reflection three times a day. I would like to merge it with increasing awareness of our bodies and the impact of the herbs on our individual constitutions and also have space to reflect on our emotions, what is going well, what needs witnessing and letting go of, what would we like to call into our experience… At the end of the day: reflect on challenges, successes, resiliency – offer ourselves encouragement and celebration for our hard work together… ending on a note of nourishment through our perseverance and resiliency (my previous work was with teenagers, if younger the language would be different yet the flavor would be there.)currently in my day to day with my grandson, he doesn’t like his food to be too warm nor does he like warm beverages. Right now we have room temperature water together. He is quite used to my having a hot cup of coffee or tea in my mug and he likes to put his face over the steam and say “hot”. We often sit on the floor together in front of our fire place and “Take a break” to watch the flames. I often have a cup of coffee or tea and he is water bottle. After each sip he copies me with a long exhale and I say “ahhh, refreshing” and we giggle together. this is often paired with my saying to him, “Il love you so much, our love is like this fire and our water… so warm and it feels so nice.” He often giggles a lot and smiles. We often pause to take a long inhale in with the steam from my mug and we blow out a long slow exhale together over it. He is eager to help me “cool” my drink. We then each sip from our own cups and he attempts to make the same “ahhhh” sound after. Right now we are “playing” yet is very ritualistic and we follow the same pattern. We do this daily together and often during the day. He will often look around to see where my mug is and point to it if its been a while since either of us have had a sip. He has a great pattern of staying hydrated :). I am eager to get him a small tea set and to begin playing having tea together. He loves to pour water from cup to cup so I’m thinking he will really enjoy serving others with a tea pot too… The act of serving tea is a nice reinforcer of our family values too – to be of service with others. 🙂
1. What challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience?
I tend to have very heightened senses and have a very difficult time not noticing everything in my surroundings. I have keen hearing and am terrible at tuning out the world around me. I wonder if it has something to do with my self diagnosed ADHD? My brain and body tend to jump around a great deal. I am able to channel my own energy and actually can be very organized and competent, but sitting quietly in my own head has never been easy. Even when I walk in nature I listen to podcasts or music.2. What new awarenesses are arising as you try to tune into your body experience?
I am realizing that I have a really hard time sitting in silence in a present moment way. I “allow” thoughts to creep into my thinking and even when I try to push them out, they persist. I also believe that the high paced world that we live in makes it almost impossible to slow down. I also may use that as an excuse for my inability to focus on not focusing on anything around me. For some reason, I become very aware of my bodily aches and pains when I try to sit and focus and relax. Honestly, that makes me a bit anxious because I am trying to calm myself and I become obsessed with my aging body. I am happy that I am very aware of my body, but I almost wish I could be in my 16 year old body again to have some comparison.3. How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students?
I want to be an example for my children in terms of being aware of not only how their body feels, but also be aware of their mental feelings for the day. I use the zones of regulation daily with my students. We talk briefly about how they are feeling and we also acknowledge that it is okay to be having a blue or yellow or even a red kind of day. I am also very honest with my students about how I am feeling. I often share stories to let them know that we all have great days and we also have sad days for a number of reasons. It is also a great way to get them to persevere and even when not feeling well, we still have work to get done each and every day.
What challenges are you facing as you try to tune into your body experience?
The challenges are prolific. Or perhaps my perception may be dictating my reality. Today my family was away and I actually was able to lay on the couch and fully engage my body, my breath, my mind and enjoy this exercise. I feel like normally the challenge is literally finding the space where I can be alone for 12 minutes without feeling my own pressures to tick off the never ending to do list and be alone and not needed or bothered/ interrupted by family or the dog.
What new awarenesses are arising as you try to tune into your body experience?
I was really able to tune into relaxing. Feeling the tightness that was in my head. Feeling the fullness in my belly (it was right after I ate lunch). I also felt like as I breathed in my rose tea and slowly taste it I was really able to take it in and enjoy it.
How do you think you can eventually make this practice successful in the classroom for your students?
While I do not have students, I am going to try this out with my kids at home. I do also think it would be successful in school. (Also happy to help Tiffany as she does this in her room.
Yes! The biggest barrier is myself. New routies are hard! Me too!
A challenge I face when trying to tune into my body is shutting down all of my other thoughts. I always have so many things going on that I can’t always focus. I try extremely hard. When I can shut out my other thoughts I usually am able to focus quite well (as long as my kids aren’t screaming in the house!!).
My favorite sensations when drinking tea and being tuned into my body are when I get to taste the tea, move it around in my mouth, swallow it and feel it going down my throat. The warmth going down my throat and into my stomach is also a wonderful sensation. After that I get to enjoy the flavor in my mouth. Is it sweet, bitter, salty, etc.?
I love sharing this with my students. I also had them do some body mapping and their work was quite amazing to see! We love drinking tea and practicing mindfulness. When we try a new tea we actually write our thoughts down and rate the tea. I ask them to think about what they taste, what they smell, what it reminds them of, and what they feel.
Andra, I know the struggle of trying to practice at home too. I wonder if we try it with our children if they will enjoy it and if not, maybe they will leave us alone when we are practicing.
Also, you are more than welcome to come in anytime to lead and/participate/or watch us.
Veronica,
One thing I would encourage you to try is to go into nature and close your eyes while you try to listen to 5 sounds, when that becomes easier try for 10 different sounds! Also, try slowbirding! Go out for 15- 20 minutes and just sit peacefully. The birds will naturally return to around you, no noise, no movements, just be one with the stump, rock, or ground.
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