Lazy tea meditation

I struggle with traditional mediation and tend to either give up after a few minutes or fall asleep.

Instead, I seek active awareness through things like yoga, art or self-massage. During lockdown I discovered this technique to improve my mood and focus.

- Make a cup of tea and bring a chair close to your favourite window. Open the window if it’s practical to do so. If you have a garden to sit in, that’s ideal.

- Put your phone on do not disturb.

- Drink your tea, gently observing how your senses experience the world both inside and outside the window.

- Pay attention to your breathing, sounds from birds, movement from clouds, the warmth of the cup, the scent and taste of the tea.

- Don’t worry if you get disturbed or distracted.

- You might find it helpful to choose an affirmation or mantra to repeat. If you find your mind starts to wander, return to your breathing, your five senses or mantra.

- When the tea is finished you’re done!