Inviting Your Troubles to Tea

September 22, 2015
by Madeline Johnson
comments 6
advice / awareness / buddha / compassion / Creating Habits / daily rituals / deliberate practice / eating / enlightenment / fear / forgiveness / gratitude / Habits / health / how to be / how to live / inspiration / kindness / learning / life / life advice / Life Hacks / Lifestyle / Lightening Up / live intentionally / Living Intentionally / Medicinal Ta / Meditation / mental health / mental training / mindfulness / mindset / purpose / radical acceptance / self actualization / self mastery / self transformation / self trust / self-help / slowing down / spirituality / Tara Brach / Tea / Thich Nhat Hanh / transformation / zen / zen buddhism
buddhaThe night before the Buddha attained final enlightenment he had a visit from the demon king Mara. Mara represented all the anger, doubt, fear, striving, craving and greed of the world. He came to tempt the Buddha.
Instead of ignoring Mara or driving him away, the Buddha calmly acknowledged his presence, staying “I see you, Mara“
He then invited Mara to tea as an honored guest.
It is suggested that we do the same when we are pained with trouble (whether real or imaginary). When we are feeling jealous, fearful, angry, frustrated, we examine these feelings with a compassionate heart, filled with self-love. We invite troubles to tea.
Instead of running from what troubles us, avoiding what is painful to face while only trying to seek happiness, we need to deal with all of life’s struggles head on, or they will continue to haunt us.
tea settingTea 101
Wake up with Matcha or Peppermint; Sleep with Kava or Chamomile; Ward off a cold with Echinacea or White Tea; Digest with Ginger or Lemon; Detox with Dandelion or Nettle; Soothe an upset stomach with Fennel or Ginger; Energize with Mint or Green; De-stress with Lavender or Ginseng.
tea
 Tea Supplies
 Soma-Water-Pitcher-01Filter your water

Soma Sustainable Pitcher & Plant-Based Water Filter

 bonavitaInvest in an electric tea kettle

Bonavita Dual Voltage 0.5L Travel Electric Kettle

My favorite morning tea

detox
Traditional Medicinals EveryDay Detox, 16-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)

kenko
KENKO Tea – Matcha Green Tea Powder – USDA Organic – Japanese Culinary Grade Matcha Powder for Lattes Smoothies Baking -100g Bag [50 Servings]

 

compassion A lesson a day from . . .

Teachings of the Buddha (Shambhala Pocket Classics)

The Author

Inspiring everyone to become the very best they can be while leading more passionate, purposeful lives filled with gratitude and greatness. Studying and curating the very best experts and masters of mind, body and soul for improving performance, achieving greatness and living a thoughtful and intentional life. Obsessed with how technology can improve our fitness, meditation and mindful practices while reducing stress and creating calm amidst the chaos of modern existence.

6 Comments

  4. Agatha Ann says

    I read this post a few days ago on my mobile app, and it wouldn’t let me leave a comment or a like! So here I am!
    I love drinking tea, I have a cup every night. I’ve never thought about using that time to “sit with my troubles.” Oh how much more time I would have for reflection if I did do that!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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