|There is something special about the fall season. It's something I can't quite put my finger on, but the smells of pumpkin and cinnamon, and the vibrant colours of orange and yellow bring a nostalgia to my mind. It might have to do with the crispness that can be felt in the air as the weather cools and the breeze that makes you reach for an extra sweater or blanket for comfort.

Autumn brings about so many visual changes from the leaves falling and changing colours, to our wardrobe as we make the switch from sandals to scarfs and boots. This time of year can be a great time to slow down and reflect on the world around us, or retreat inside our inner minds.

A great way to be immersed in the moment and enjoy the ever changing surroundings is to sit with a steeping cup of tea and use our senses to indulge in a mindful moment to ourselves. 

Please note: This article does not contain healthcare or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency.

Chances are great that you have heard of the concept of mindfulness in your self-care or growth journey so far, which is great! As a reminder, or if you are new to this activity, mindfulness is the practice of bringing attention to the present moment and accepting this moment, and any thoughts or feelings that may stir as a result of this attentiveness, without judgement. 

Although the exercise of mindfulness may sound quite straightforward, it can actually be quite difficult to practice at first. Our mind is often two-steps ahead, thinking about the long list of chores awaiting us, or the hope and dreams we have for the future. We are rarely ever just being in the present moment without any thoughts or feelings.

One activity that can support the process of exercising mindfulness is to prepare and enjoy a cup of tea. This also may sound like a simple task to achieve - and it is - yet we can break down each step of tea-making into bite-sized tasks in order to illuminate the benefits of being present, and mindful, in the present moment. Let's get started!
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Spend a moment at your cupboard surveying the tea options you currently have. Consider how you are feeling in this present moment. Are you feeling anxious or frustrated? Happy or content? What is the aroma of tea your mind and body is most needing in this present moment. Take your time considering this and accepting each thought as it comes.

Once you have selected your tea blend, spend a few moments smelling the aroma of the tea leaves. What do you smell? Do these aromas remind you of anything? Consider the thoughts and feelings that are surfacing for you right now and accept these without judgement. Now take a look at the texture of the tea you have chosen. What do you see? Are the flowers or seeds? Different colours? What does this make you think of, if anything? Accept each thoughts as it comes into your mind and allow it to settle.

Fill your mug with the tea and hot water and watch as the colour starts to turn a new shade. Close your eyes and take in the aroma of the steeping tea. Practice deep breathing as you sit patiently waiting for your tea to steep and to cool enough for you to taste it.

As you wait, bring attention to the present moment, and become aware of any thoughts or feelings you are experiencing. Should you notice any inner-criticism or negative thoughts, gently redirect your thoughts back to the steeping tea in front of you, and when you are ready, take your first sip. 

Continue this mindful moment with your cup of tea for as long as you wish. Allow yourself to be fully present in your surroundings and in your mind. In this moment your only goal is to be present. Rather than trying to suppress the thoughts and feelings that will inevitably surface in your mind, choose to accept these thoughts and feelings as they are, and reconsider the tea you are currently enjoying.  

Share your experience of having a mindful moment with a cup of tea in the comments below! What feelings are you left with? What do you notice in your body? What helped, or hindered, your mindful moment?

​The benefits of mindfulness are plentiful, and as helpguide.org suggests, include:

• can improve well-being including lowering stress and worry, increase the ability to connect with others, and gaining a better ability to deal with the ups-and-downs of life
• can improve physical health by helping to relieve stress, lower the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and improve stomach issues
• can improve mental health for a number of issues including depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples’ conflicts, anxiety disorders,  obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as every day stress

Consider your own life right now. How could a daily practice of mindfulness benefit you? In which areas would you expect to see some improvement by slowing down, focusing on the present moment, and accepting what comes?

A huge thank you to cozycorp.ca for sharing their tea with me to try out for this article! Pictured above is the Forget Me Not blend which is a subtle but delicious blend of peppermint, ginkgo leaves, orange, turmeric, pumpkin pieces and safflower petals. The ingredients in this tea are known to promote circulation in the brain, promote cognitive benefits and has powerful antioxidants! This is also a fantastic blend for the fall weather.

There are also many other tea blends including Digestive Dreams, Earl Grey (one of my favourite teas) other seasonal blends including Pumpkin Spice and Autumn Apple. I'm going to try out the Do Not Disturb blend tonight to help me fall asleep!

Check out their products and tea accessories to learn more and enjoy another mindful moment with a cup of tea.

Related: ​How to Turn Your Bedroom Into a Self-Care Haven

​The links in this article may be affiliate links that I will be compensated for at no additional cost to  you. Looking for additional health & wellness products? Visit the store!

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