Making time for tea

TEA RITUALS WITH BAMFORD ORGANIC INFUSIONS

Ritual tea drinking originated in China thousands of years ago, taking root in Japan and other parts of East Asia in the 13th Century. The traditional tea ceremony enhances a feeling of calm and renewal for those involved whilst also invigorating the senses. Indeed, it is this very effect that led Buddhist Monks to drink tea to support themselves and stay awake during very long periods of meditation.

Today, we continue to drink tea in abundance and yet we tend to ignore the opportunity to pause and reflect in stillness that tea invites. The ritualistic experience that a traditional tea ceremony has to offer extends beyond the benefits of the tea itself; it gives us the chance to check-in and show up for ourselves, stepping into the present moment.

From the space where the ceremony is conducted to the vessels that it is served with: each element is infused with intention; chosen so as to reinforce a sense of peace and serenity. The relationship between the tea drinker and the functional objects used to drink it is an evolving one: the more these everyday objects are used, the more beautiful they become. There is an elegance and humility in the modest form that traditional tea vessels take – a true embodiment of the beauty of simplicity.

I’ve learned a lot about teas and their impact on our bodies through travel. I love the care and the ritual that surrounds the making of tea in Japan. Like their approach to cooking there’s such a profound respect for the ingredient.

Traditionally, the tea ceremony would be carried out in a separate ‘tea room' or 'tea garden’. This would allow the tea drinker to detach from themselves and their every day cares and worries whilst enjoying their tea. The ceremonial space must be clear, clean and minimalistic with as much natural lighting as possible, and great care will be taken when choosing the materials needed.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Tea Pot
- Tea cup and saucer
- Bamford Organic Infusion
- Comfortable cushion to sit on
- Tray for the ceremonial materials, optional
- A fragrant candle or crystals to enhance the experience, optional

1. Make sure the space you are conducting the ceremony is peaceful and clean. You can replicate this at home by incorporating fresh flowers, porcelain or bamboo materials in your space at home, or you could conduct the ceremony outside in your garden on a mat.
2. Light some candles to set the mood and enhance the feeling of peace and tranquility. Choose a scent that makes you feel calm.
3. Choose the tea you are most drawn to in the present moment – our guide to the Bamford Organic Infusions below should help you. Pour on freshly drawn boiled water and infuse for 5-8 minutes.
4. Once you have prepared the tea, collate your tea set and tray and set this down comfortably in front of you in your chosen space.
5. Add crystals to the tray to balance and stimulate your chakras during the ceremony and meditation you are about to experience.
6. Once your tea is brewed and your peaceful environment is ready, sit comfortably, enjoy your tea and take some long deep breaths. Use this time to meditate and focus on the present moment.

TEA RITUALS WITH BAMFORD ORGANIC INFUSIONS

Traditionally, Japanese tea ceremonies are carried out with Matcha powder, however, if you don’t have Matcha powder in your cupboard you can use a herbal tea bag instead such as our Bamford Organic Infusions. Choose an infusion that appeals to your current frame of mind or perhaps that matches the state you would like to be in by the end of your tea drinking ceremony.

B CALM

A soothing infusion of organic camomile and lavender flowers with lemon balm leaves and rose petals.

B CLEAR

An infusion blend of Japanese green tea and toasted brown rice with fennel and cornflowers.

B RESTORED

A skin-boosting infusion of elderberries, rosehips and hibiscus flowers with rooibos.

B SILENT

A night-time infusion blend of lavender and passion flowers with hemp leaves, lemon balm and valerian root.

B STRONG

An infusion blend of ginger, turmeric and calendula blossom, with lemongrass and nettle leaves.

B VIBRANT

An infusion blend of apple, orange peel and ginger, with invigorating pink and black pepper.

EXPLORE HOME COLLECTION

The place we live is a touchstone, a refuge or a space of calm; fill your home with beautiful objects, crafted with skill and care.

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