We all live in a world perpetually buzzing with notifications and demands on our attention, the art of simply being present in a singular activity seems like an ancient idea or image to most. We’ve mastered the art of multitasking, boasting on our ability to juggle tasks like a circus act. But amidst this noise and motion, I discovered a profound lesson this year. I learned it from a quote I found tucked in a book from the charity shop. A receipt had written in ballpoint pen in green:
“When drinking tea, just drink tea.”
Ancient wisdom found on a receipt in a book
I am not sure why this was in there, it wasnt related to the book I was reading which was ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy!. So I am not sure why they wrote it on that receipt or why it ended up in that book. I am glad they did though.
Our mornings often resemble a chaotic symphony, blending sips of coffee while watching the news, maybe some early morning emails, and perhaps a sprinkle of social media updates. But the quote got me thinking, what if we dared to defy this modern-day norm? What if, when we drink tea, we just drink tea?
Picture this: A quiet moment, a steaming cup cradled between your palms, the aroma enveloping your senses, and the sole focus on each sip, embracing its warmth, its flavour, its essence. It’s not about merely consuming; it’s a ritual, a meditation, a pause from spinning plates.
I discovered the quote is a Zen proverb but of course it isn’t just about tea; it’s a call to reclaim presence in every facet of our lives. It’s about honouring the activity at hand, whether it’s savouring a meal, engaging in conversation, or tackling a project. It’s about shedding the cloak of constant distraction and diving headfirst into the richness of the present moment.
To truly embody the essence of “just drink tea,” it requires a deliberate choice to disengage from the clamour of multitasking. It beckons us to leave the phone in another room, to bid adieu to the incessant pull of notifications, and to rekindle our relationship with undivided attention.
This practice isn’t about banishing efficiency; it’s about enhancing it. By devoting ourselves wholly to one task, we unravel layers of depth and clarity often obscured by the whirlwind of multitasking. Our creativity flourishes, our focus sharpens, and our appreciation for the little things blossoms.
I am not perfect at this yet. I am however starting to become a friend to myself as Seneca once wrote. Give it a try, embrace the simplicity of the present moment. Whether it’s tea, coffee, or any activity, relish it wholeheartedly. Let’s heed the wisdom of the ages and savour life’s moments sip by sip, embodying the art of “just drink tea” in a world obsessed with doing everything at once.
Sea's The Day 