I’ve always preferred loose leaf tea.
For me, it’s the purest way to experience herbs. You can see every leaf, every flower, and every botanical that makes up the blend. There’s something deeply grounding about knowing exactly what’s in your cup and taking the time to prepare it with intention.
I chose herbs over traditional tea because I’ve never been much of a traditional person. I believe every generation is given an opportunity to honor what came before while creating new traditions of its own. My generation is filled with innovators, and I’ve always felt called to explore a different path. It’s simply who I am.
Tea has become one of those paths.
I love tea because it asks something different of us. It doesn’t rush us. It invites us to slow down, to savor, and to be present. Every sip feels like an invitation to settle into the moment. That’s an experience I’ve always been drawn to.
Before I drink tea, I don’t just ask myself what I want to drink. I ask myself, “What do I want this moment to become?”
That’s the difference between an intention and a goal.
To me, an intention is something you choose before you begin. It’s the energy, mindset, or feeling you want to carry into an experience. A goal is something you work toward over time. Intentions are rooted in presence. Goals are built through momentum.
Neither is more important than the other. They simply serve different purposes.
Intentions can change, even in the middle of a moment. You may begin a conversation intending to be assertive, only to realize compassion is what’s needed instead. The same is true for your rituals. Every cup can carry a different purpose.
My tea ritual always begins before the water boils.
I like to create an environment that reflects how I want to feel. Sometimes that means lighting incense, playing soft music, or listening to calming frequencies. If I’m seeking comfort, I may light a candle and spend a few quiet moments in prayer. If I simply need a reset, I’ll let the music carry the moment while I stir my tea and breathe deeply.
I’m also particular about the little details. I love using delicate spoons because they remind me that beauty can exist in even the smallest rituals.
As I stir my tea, I think about what I’m inviting into my life and what I’m ready to release. Then I pause between each sip, close my eyes, inhale through my nose, and exhale slowly through my mouth.
One question I return to again and again is:
How do I want to feel when I take my last sip?
That question changes everything.
Maybe today you’re releasing worry, fear, or the need to have every answer. Maybe you’re making room for ease, peace, joy, laughter, or an unexpected moment of serendipity.
Whatever your intention is, let your tea become a gentle reminder of it.
Because what you’re pouring into your cup is only part of the ritual.
What you’re pouring into yourself matters even more.