Sunday Journal Prompt

“A cup of tea is a cup of peace.” 

– Soshitsu Sen XV 

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, my friend Ruth showcased her tea ceremonial skills at a local festival. Serving Yixing Red Tea from a tea plantation in her father’s childhood village in the Yangtze Delta area of China, Ruth engaged participants in an interactive presentation that involved multiple senses: sight, smell, sound and taste.

This mindful practice of ceremonial tea is an expression of heartfelt welcome and serves also a way for Ruth to connect to her ancestors, as her family has long produced the purple clay teapots that amplify the tea’s flavor. Growing up with a tea table prominently displayed in her family’s home, Ruth describes tea as a spiritual journey that has been integral to her life. She finds that the performance of ritual leads to conversation and connection as well as a refreshed mind.

How do you honor and share your family’s culture or traditions—or how have you shared in those of others?

Sunday Journal Prompt

“Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” 

 – Theodore Roosevelt 

In a yoga-writing workshop I teach entitled “Rooting and Flourishing,” the theme blends the ideas of staying grounded with a firm foundation while also reaching for what lies beyond. In “tree” pose, for example, we’re unable to extend our arms and hold the pose for long if our base is wobbly.

When envisioning “the stars” you’re working toward—such as weight loss, a finished novel or financial security—consider the daily practices that will help steady your base. After all, it’s the compounding effect of seemingly small habits that add up to sizeable results.

What small shift can you make that will make a sizeable difference over time?

Sunday Journal Prompt

“Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” 

– J.R.R. Tolkien

Each spring I’m amazed by the resilience of mother nature. Even after a bitter-cold winter, the dormant trees, bushes and flowers flourish. Their deep, well-nourished roots prevent short-term surface frost from deadening their long-term lifespan.

Yet how often are we affected by the frost in our lives—offhanded comments, being cut off in traffic, longer-than-expected grocery lines? When I don’t nourish myself, life’s irritations take a greater toll on me. However, when I take better care of myself, I’m less affected by them. When I make the effort to eat wisely, exercise, read, write and meditate regularly, the frost has a tougher time reaching me.

How can you root yourself this week?