01: How to use an ordinary cup of tea to step out of autopilot
Most of us make tea while doing something else. Whether it’s checking email, preparing for your next meeting… scrolling. We’re often onto the next thing before we’ve even noticed the cup in front of us.
But the beauty of tea is it encourages a natural pause.
You choose the leaves, boil the water, pour and wait for the leaves to steep. That pause can be tiny, but it’s enough to interrupt the usual momentum.
When I actually pause for tea, I notice more clearly what is going on. I’m more aware of how my mind is, how my body is feeling or what that niggling thought is trying to tell me. It’s about noticing, not fixing.
I invite you to try this with your next cup.
Make your tea without doing anything else at the same time. While it steeps, take one breath and notice where your attention is right now. Then sip and become aware of what matters next.
Sometimes clarity begins with giving yourself a few quiet minutes to notice.
p.s. Your pause for tea this week is brought to you by Yellow Gold Oolong - discover more teas here and listen to this week’s podcast to learn more and brew together.
© eteaket
02: Welcome to the Scrolling Backlash
This recent article in The Atlantic explores the growing dissatisfaction with algorithmic life and the desire to renegotiate our relationship with phones.
Read now: The Atlantic
03: What it means to truly pay attention
In the espisode of How to Be a Better Human (TED, Jan 2026), meditation teacher, Kevin Townley talks about how to practice the art of looking and the deep Buddhist wisdom that can be found in every museum. He talks about awareness as something strengthened through practice, including simple meditation.
Listen now: How to be a Better Human
Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.
If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.
Erica x
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