Coffee or tea?

If given a choice, it will be tea for us at Team Monogram. Here’s why: A cup of tea isn’t merely a drink; It’s the history of the world itself and the gateway to communicate with oneself, to reach a new state of intention, reflection and mindfulness. And in case you do not know, it’s National Tea Day today!

Tea plays an essential role in the lives of people all around the globe and is more than an essential resource which gives life to living beings on earth. The brewing and consumption of tea is beyond a perfect aesthetic experience – the tea ritual or ceremony itself is a state of mindfulness, a moment out of time, a symbolic action to connect with purpose, when everything slows and the focus shifts to the aroma and tasting notes of tea on your palate.

So how do you create your Monogram tea ritual?

First of all, start with the cup. Choose your favourite tea cup, or a tea brewing set. Next, your choice of tea. Curate your personal unique blend of Monogram tea with only the finest hand-picked tea leaves and herbs. Monogram beckons you to explore a world of tea flavours and excite your palate with the art of tea layering. It is important to make sure you understand your chosen tea blend. For a start, we recommend to pair one tea base (black, green or oolong) with one herb of choice. If you’re unsure, you can always start with tasting one single tea blend, before you move on to explore the simplexity of Monogram teas with tea layering using our recommended tea matrix. Do also keep your teas in a space that is visually appealing and comfortable – remember, your tea ritual is a sacred time reserved for your mind, body and soul. When it comes to preparation of your tea(s), ensure that you are using freshly brewed water at the right temperature, alongside the suggested steeping suggestions.

To fully appreciate your tea ritual, here’s what you need to do:

1. This can be optional, but recommended if it helps you to get into “the zone”. Put on a playlist of go-to songs that helps you to wind down.

2. Pay attention to how the tea leaves smell like before and after pouring water into your tea vessel.

3. Hold the tea cup in your hands and feel the warmth radiating from it, and how it brings comfort to your body.

4. Observe as the tea leaves unfurl in your cup and the colours change as your tea steeps. Remove your Monogram tea sachets once you are done steeping them.

5. Get comfortable – be it putting on your comfiest PJs, or sitting in your favourite nook in your house to feel most relaxed.

6. Sip consciously and indulge in the aroma lingering in the air and the tasting notes of the tea in your mouth.

7. Pair your tea with a dessert or snack, if you feel like it.

8. Most importantly, stay flexible and do whatever you like based on your needs. Your tea ritual doesn’t have to be set in stone – whatever flows, flows!

When is a right time to have a tea ritual?

Pick a time of the day that you are able to best connect with yourself, your surroundings and be present in the moment.

Mornings

Choosing to start the day with your tea ritual can help you to focus better and kickstart the day with the right mindset. As you sip on your tea, try setting your intentions for the day with a visualization exercise.

Afternoons

While this may not be the most popular time of the day for a tea ritual, you can still achieve something meaningful out of it as well. Taking some time off in the middle of the day serves as a break and might just be what you need to be recharged and productive for the rest of the day.

Nights

Before you hit the sheets, practice your tea ritual as a way of winding down and releasing stress. You may want to pick light-bodied or caffeine-free brews instead to help reduce anxiety, stress and insomnia.

Tea rituals do not take up a lot of time and are simple to create. Do not overthink it, it is just a source of calm; a gentle reminder for yourself to slow down and to take in the present moment. No matter the time of the day you have chosen to do your tea ritual, remember to check in with yourself to understand what your body, heart and mind needs in that moment. Engage your five senses starting from the preparation of the tea, to the tea-drinking and staying present. You could also simply choose to meditate on what you’re grateful for. Here’s to elevating your self-care routine with Monogram Tea!

Love,

LX