Nature: Take a walk to feed the soul

After living in Toronto for close to 8 years (wow), I must admit it is a relief to be back in my hometown. Dont get me wrong, I adored Toronto. The hustle and bustle, noise and going out at 3am where people were still around. The biggest change from there to here is that there is a forest/nature park just a short walk away. No need for TTC, no busses, no train. Just a simple walk.

     That little difference has made my stay with my parents just a blessing. Have you compared how you feel before you go to a similar place to after? I bet you have felt that bliss too. But there is a place here that gives me more bliss than anywhere else. Walking somewhere close to water with nothing but trees around me.
  When ever I am frustrated with coming up with an idea for a work or a post here, a walk by the creek does the trick. It clears the mind and helps inspire you for your next project, but deeper down there is more that you get from being with nature. It will help your soul feel a bit lighter through the things that come out of going for a walk (also it fights stress!).

1. Fresh Air
  If you are in a forest the air will feel better in your lungs. As trees filter out some pollution, it is the best place to get some true "Fresh Air" to reset your body.

2. Getting away from everything 
  When we get really stuck or something in the back of our mind just refuses to go away. Literally getting away helps to melt it all. Try it before a big meeting or even a yoga class and see the difference in yourself.

3.Exercise
  Who does not like a good walk? It helps your mind work at peak efficiency and you can work off that treat (mind is cookie dough ice cream, whats yours? ).

#feelgoodbloggingchallenge: My Favorite books for motivation, healing and self-love

I have been meaning to start something new and it came to me, in an e-mail from Alex Beadon. For the next 7 days I am participating in a blogger challenge to help push us beyond our comfort zone. If you would like to join in all the information can be found here at Alex's page for the challenge.

 When things hit rock bottom for me last year it was not till the Spring that I make the conscious choice to heal. I sought out books that would help me go at my own pace and from the comfort of home with family around me.  Self-help books get a really bad reputation for being scary and "make you seem desperate" , but when you embrace them they are a gift that we need once in a while.

   This list is of books I have either read or have read enough (and am still reading) to deem it of good quality to help others too. Most of them should be at your local library where you can get the book with no problems , if buying them is not an option. So let's now , together, go through the list one item at a time.

Spirit Junkie By Gabrielle Bernstein

   As soon as you begin reading the first few pages you get a feel for who Gabby is. She is a fun loving woman who struggled to heal her own past. To start her own healing she used the book "A Course in Miracles", this very book is what she refers to throughout. 

   This book reads more as a partner book to May Cause Miracles ( at least to me it seems so). The whole feel (so far) is that our Ego is what fuels our negative thoughts and even brings hurtful past to our minds. By changing our thought pattern by accepting love instead we can begin to heal.

May Cause Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein

   If you are like me then a guide book with steps for each day will help wonders (almost at day 20 yey!). Each day for this 40 day guide book you have a morning intention, an afternoon affirmation and an evening task. 

In the morning Gabby has you sitting for one minute meditations but ( if you have time) go longer. Pull up a guided meditation that works for the day and jump into your Ing zone. The afternoon affirmations are great as it reminds you what you are working on, pop a notification on your phone with it and you are good. The evening, I just love this part, each day varies. So far I have done meditations, Ing writing in my journal and even had to say "I love you" to myself in the mirror (three times). When you want to dig deep Gabby is the way to go!

Make Every Man Want You by Marie Forleo

     I mentioned this book before in the spring. I literally could not put it down till I was done (and I even lent it to a friend who I thought needed it). Disguised as a book to help you get a guy, Marie guides you to be a better you and be more present in your life. This was the first book I read out of all the ones on this page. With Marie's friendly tone to her writing it just makes you feel like a good friend is helping you out (and who doesn't want to hang with their friends?). I suggest this not only for all you girls out there but the men as well (by the way I think there is a digital copy available).  

   Give yourself the push you need to be more present and authentically you. Get it from the library, its a quick read (you can always go back and take notes or get the workbook online) and give something loving to YOU! (By the way I love you~)

#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

  What can I say about this girl? She is the new image of a woman in my books, at least when it comes to entrepreneurship. Sophia build Nasty Gal from nothing on Ebay to a $100 Million plus online fashion retailer. Her story includes hitchhiking, random odd jobs, and trills. Everything build up to who she is. 

   Now when you read this book (especially if you are an entrepreneur ) take notes! There are so much information in the book that could very well help you in your own ventures. Believe me , when I say I am going back through it and taking notes. Become a #girlboss and kick some butt!  

Own it by Tabatha Coffey

   Why did I pick up this book? Not only did it have a woman on the cover that looked like she could take on anything but there was a quote on the back that got me.

 I'm Tabatha. Some call what I do "tough love." You better belive it is. I have made gown men cry like babies. But they thanked me latter. Why? Because I taught them how to Own It.

 In my book she means business, right away she sets the tone for the whole book. She takes your keys to "Your Life" and you have to earn them back. This really was new to me, but I am still working through the book. She gets you to work on thing like attitude, passion, style, relationships, business etc.
   I have just dipped my feet into this one but I feel it will be a good book to compliment the books by Gabby. Not only will the reader of both be self-loving and present. But also taking charge of their life (it just gives it a good balance)!
 

What is "brewing" in your life : October Catch up

  As we get closer to the holidays we tend to be all over the place. Taking the time to catch up with family and friends is very important for your health. It gives you a moment of peace and a distraction from all the running around.  So let's catch up with each other.

A Cup of Life Blog- Zen Moment Guest Post 

  If you have been following other tea bloggers, then you may have noticed that I wrote for Lu Ann's blog A Cup of Life. I helped kick off a series on Zen Moments. These moments can be moments of reflection, calm and perhaps even meditative. The post can be found here on A Cup of Life.

20 Years ago ... Gather was Family Gathering 

   Who is Gather and Family Gathering? Its a locally owned clothing shop that I have been shopping at since I was 7 years old! Wow time flies. Today is their 20th Anniversary and I just had to share this with you all. I have known the owner Karen since she opened and I can not picture my life without her in it. The shop has grown a lot over the years and it is even where I take yoga through Kaleidoscope Yoga. The Gather Facebook page can be found here (with some fun images from last nights yoga class).

Gabrielle Bernstein just "May Cause Miracles"

  Today marks a week of following her book called "May Cause Miracles" and following every juicy word of wisdom. This year has been amazing but we all have our shadows that do not get handled. After experiencing loss of my job, depict, lies and even mental abuse; I decided to make a change to further become a better person. A few months ago I read Marie Forleo's book "Make Every Man Want You" which is a motivational book about self discovery and empowerment (disguised as a book to get a guy ). This book helped me become more present but "May Cause Miracles" is helping me heal. Its a 40 day guide to a better you, that is well worth the investment in the book itself.
   If you had a wonky year or someones skeletons had you second guessing choices that you made, try this book out. Go to the library to save yourself money even. You will thank yourself latter, trust me.

Course one for Entrepreneurship last few weeks

  A big discovery for myself this year was how much I love business, especially small ones. This course (Entrepreneurship 101) has helped me obtain focus and get my pen to paper. When I ay pen to paper I mean get a business plan out.  I not only want to create something that makes me happy but also create something to give back to all of you. This new experience will help shape me and tea is what is guiding me to do it. I will share more about this as things become more concrete and when Bellman Art is finished, so stay tuned.

E-book writing progress

  The other day I jotted out an outline for my book. After completing this step I could almost see the "cover" in my mind. Eagerly I am going to finalize the outline and gather my reference list.
   On another note, I am making the decision this week if I shall pitch the book idea to an actual publisher. Big step for me, but my motto is "if you don't ask, you won't get". Meaning that if you do not ask at all you will not get anything, but if you do ask then at least you did. The key is to try.

Enough about me, what is new with you? 

Quoteable: You are a work of art

    Quotable is a series of little life lessons that can be taken from quotes. Learn about little ways to improve your life, learn more about yourself and find balance. It is a great place to learn a bit about Dao and Zen, without all the jargon. More Quotable Life lessons can be found here.

  Every now and then we need a little pick-me-up mid week. This weeks quote came to me in a Julep Maven box, it was a nice little addition to the box itself. Madonna is a great inspiration to all and more so women.  This quote only makes her a stronger inspiration

   Self-esteem something that we all gain and struggle with as we get older. When I was a child I hated my red hair, pale skin and even my eyes. Over time I learned how unique I am which boosted my own self-esteem. 

   

      This self-love is what I try to inspire in others. Faith in ones own truth , love of ones body and trust in ones own judgement. They are all important to our very being. When we begin to go against them it hurts us inside and out , on many levels. 

   Take a moment today and look at yourself in the mirror, tell yourself you are beautiful. Stay there for a full 1-3 minutes. Do this every day. See the changes that happen. If any negative talk pops up in your head use this line to combat it : " I choose love over this" from the wonderful Gabrielle Bernstein.

     Another little activity you can do, is create a list of all the things you have done over your life. Small to big, it does not matter. I even encourage you to list out achievements such as first apartment, going to a new place, creating a blog etc. There is bound to be a long list, but if you are having trouble talk to friends and family. They will tell you things that ,perhaps, you did not think of.  

   Remember you are beautiful and your own work of art. Keep working on it because your masterpiece is not yet near completion. 

Zen Corner: Connection of Tea , Meditation and Yoga

      Since High School I have been on a spiritual journey. Most of the time I did not identify it as such but it was there. We are all going through one and they are just as unique as us. They start out magically and grow inside us and foster in reality.  They can be started through simple meditation, yoga class or even attending a Tea Ceremony with a zen teacher.  How ever it starts it will continue to grow and connections will form.  It is a given that at some point you will connect with , what I will call, Pillars of Zen.

  From experience as a child we unknowingly start practicing yoga. There is a large amount of play that happens and we test out our body's ability to balance and bend. Slowly we become

focused on the task and get very involved in discovering new "poses".  It is the focus that is also part of meditation.
   But for meditation it can manifest in another way depending on your lifestyle. I was brought up Roman Catholic and would intently focus on my prayer during mass. Through this experience I believe that any sort of prayer from any religion is a form of meditation. While they each have a differnt form they are all under the umbrella of meditation.
   Where does tea come into this? While I understand that not everyone has the ability to find a tea teacher who also has learned zen, there are other ways to learn from the beverage itself. It does not need to be real tea it can also be an herbal blend. From this we learn to focus on making it. every step has to be attended to. Even if we are just putting on the kettle and pouring the boiled water over a tea bag, it is still a process that is very meditative. If you did not take out the tea bag from its package, fill the kettle and put it on, place the teabag in your cup and pour the boiled water over top. There would be no tea.
       
    If you do not currently see one or more aspects in your life, then perhaps it is time to try them out or take another look. Yoga may not be called by name but you may be doing a series of stretches that are truly yoga poses. The same goes for meditation. Do you try to look inward and tame those pesky voices of the ego on your subway trip home? Then this is also meditation. As for tea, perhaps it is not tea that you drink. It could be juicing in the morning for your green juice, putting together a mix of lemon juice and ginger or even going through the process of making your cup of coffee.
   They key thing is that you are still going through a series of movements to obtain a result. A lovely beverage that calms you and makes you feel good.

Do you see this connection between these pillars?

Giveaway: Win the Steeped Tea Detox Collection

      This month I had the pleasure to try a different set (not that I mind caffeine), the Herbal based "Detox Collection". Christa Jones, an Independent Consultant for Steeped Tea, was a great pleasure to work with and we have a little surprise for you at the end of this post ( Hint: Giveaway!). After my yoga classes (and then working late into the night) these teas from the collection hit the spot.
   Steeped Tea is a fantastic company. Last month I had the pleasure of winning "The Classic Collection" over at A Cup Of Life and fell in love. All natural ingredients , friendly service and (best of all) a Canadian Start-up! Steeped Tea started out not too long ago and has grown thanks to the help they received at Dragons Den . Beautiful packaging and delicious teas that just make you want more (its tea so why not?).

In this set there are six teas and a small packet of 50 Steeping sacks. I adored opening up the shipping box to find such lovely packaging. I am already putting it on my list to buy it again for a few people I know (I'm not saying in case they come by).

Let's get to know the teas!

Hot Yoga

 Breath in. It smells like cinnamon and it makes you want to get into your down-ward dog. I am surprised how this tea is similar to a chai but has its own zen body feel to it but also gives you energy. This one got my fingers working and practicing my yogic breathing. Why is that? I have sinus arrhythmia (meaning my heart beats irregularly, nothing wrong with it) but this tea due to the hawthorn leaves gives me a little kick to get through my to-do list and right into some meditation.

    Beautiful way to start the day (oh my I rhymed) with : Cinnamon, Cardamom, Hawthorn leaves, Ginger bits, Cloves, Black Peppercorns, Safflowers and Blue mallow flowers. Deliciously chai and you need to try ( Rhyming again~ ).

Don't Worry Be Happy

  Personally I am not a big fan of Chamomile but there is a reason, I am allergic to ragweed. Chamomile is from the same family so I tend to feel a little itchy and off when I have it. Anyhow.. this tea was a great blend over all (putting the light allergy aside). The peppermint came through perfectly and I could not help but breath out an "ahh" to express my content. 

   This guy is simple : Chamomile, Peppermint leaves and Licorice root. Totally a must if you love a good cup of Chamomile before bed. 

Stress Reliever 

  This little gem is a miracle worker. Today was an errand day and it seemed to melt away all my worries after a few simple sips. The blend contains: White mistletoe. St.John's Wort, Birch leaves, Ginko Biloba leaves, Lemongrass, Stinging Nettle and Bean Pods. 

    The whole blend had a bit of a lemongrass taste that was smooth. No need to add anything as it has a very pleasant taste on its own. It is the perfect after work or after an errand day (guilty) tea. 

Lemon Ginger Tea-tox

  This one is on my list to try iced in the morning, it is just amazing how good it makes you feel. While you think it may taste healthy, it doesn't taste that way ( I am thinking buckleys by the way). I love how simple it is with : Ginger, Lemongrass and Rose blossoms. 

   It's smooth, lightly ginger-y and has a natural floral side to it. I am personally grabbing a book , a cup of this and getting into the bath. Now that is just bliss.

Feminini-Tea

 First off I must say, yummy! This blend is perfect for those that need a tea for that once a month "blah" time. Again there was no need to add anything but I can imagine my sweet tooth getting the best of me and adding a touch of honey. 

    It was smooth and had fruity notes despite the amount of herbal ingredients (sorry but yumm). The tastiness comes from : Apple pieces, Rooibos, Ginger pieces, Cinnamon pieces, Cardamom, Fennel, Juniper Berries, Raspberry leaves, Chamomile, Lady's mantel, Cloves, Orange Peel, St. John's Wort, Black pepper and Silver weed. 

   This is on my must list for my monthly "blah" kit (a long with cookies and ice cream), I know you will feel the same.

Immunity Booster

   If there was anything starting in my system, I doubt it is around anymore. This one packed a punch that made me wish I was sick to enjoy it more. The taste for me right now (not sick) was very medical, but that means its going to be a blessing (and taste great) when I am sick. 

   Just look at what's in it: Licorice, Cinnamon, Burdock root, Ginger, Dandelion root, Fennel, Aniseed, Juniper berries, Coriander, Black pepper, Parsley, Sage, Cloves and Turmeric. It will knock any cold out of the park, large wow factor here.

The Giveaway (aka. Freebies) !

 Canadian Residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thank you to Christa Jones for donating both the giveaway collection and my own Collection.
 All opinions are my own, please consult your family doctor if you have any concerns about teas (especially when you are taking prescription medication). Be Healthy. Be Happy.
Namaste

Moving on: Start a Gratitude Journal

  When life throws you a lemon, wouldn't it be nice to have somewhere to go to pick you back up? Starting a gratitude journal can be that very thing to tip your day back into better and then good. I personally thought that this type of journal was well..lame, but that was before I did some research and tried it. 

      What the process does, is it takes all the good and it exists in one place. No negativity can go into this journal.  After becoming jobless and making a decision on who I want in my life, I was bombarded by old thoughts. "You can't do anything without them", "You won't get a job", "Why are they going to hire you?", "You need them", "what makes you think that you can be an entreperur?" And "no one is there for you without them".  

       It was a tough spot to be in, but when I decided to start my gratitude journal they began to dissipate. Hell , I can do what I want. I am a loving person and thats the type of people I want in my life. If I want to create my own job, I am going to do it. There is nothing that can stop me but myself, if I had let it.
   Back to the Journal.  The first entry was the following:

            I am grateful for the friends I have.  I am greatful for my blog readers.  I am content with my life and wish to grow more as a person.  I am greatful for family. I am greatful for my boyfriend.  I am grateful for my path and where it has taken me.

Writing in a gratitude journal is just that simple. Abandon the stress of spelling right, getting grammar spot on and creating paragraphs that flow. It is your space and that is all there is to it.

Start your own gratitude journal

Buy a Journal

 Pick one that feels special. Mine is embroidered and from Christian Lacroix paper line (gift from mom). Alternatively you can go the digital route. Fire up a blog and set it to private (or not). Or even  use the memo app on your phone.

Decide how often you will write

Writing once a week is enough. but I have heard other writers using it every night. Personally I use it when I am in the right mind space, but is also going to become space for post-meditation free writing. Remember a journal is YOUR space, do what feels right.

What to write

What are you grateful for? Write it out and bring the gratefulness inside you out. If you want to add something extra, goals are a great addition.

    In addition to my 3-5 things I am grateful for. I strive to write a few goals for myself.

Rules of Gratitude Journals

• Read it when you are down to lift you back up
• Write at least 3-5 things
• Be specific
• Turn negatives into positives
• Don't go through the motions. Make a decision to be consistently more grateful.
• Don't wait for the right time
• Think people, no things
• Don't rush, savour every word

Join us for a Global Meditation for Peace : August 8th 2014

   Over the last few months  I have been reading Yoga Journal Magazine as it is such an inspiring little gem. Early July while flipping through I noticed a little advertisement that hit home for me. Deepak Chopra, a spiritual Entrepreneur, was hosting a Global Meditation for Peace in Toronto. And online. The very thought of bringing together possibly millions of people for one cause reminded me of the Lole White event I attended in June. The White event was so moving it was hard not to have a little tear in your eye and a huge smile on your face. 

#Iampeace

    I believe that this meditation will bring about the same kind of connectedness that everyone felt during Lole White, no matter where they were. I am sharing the information for this event as I believe that it will help you develop a stronger connectedness with those around you , the earth and with your tea. Last week we went over how a meditative mind effects our tea and water. The very act of learning or trying to meditate helps develop a deeper connection with yourself, the universe and things around you (this includes tea). If you have been following my Digital table series for Global Tea Hut, or have subscribed, I highly suggest that you sign up and join in. 

  On a side note, this event is also an attempt at setting the world record for collective meditation. Below is a video explaining more about the event itself.
Namaste, let me know if you sign up and, after, how you feel in the comments below.

Global Meditation for Peace
12 PM EST

Organized by  The Chopra Center

Special guests include Deepak, Chopra, Gabrielle Bernstein, and  India Arie.

#Iampeace

Ready for Fall: Favourites

 While we still have weeks left of summer ahead of us, I love being prepared. Throughout summer I have found and used a few things that just made my day a little bit better (or simpler). These four items are my top picks that I am going to continue to use going into the next season.

Steep and Go // Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Kiss and Cheeks

Arbonne Vanilla Protein Shake Mix // Kate Spade All Occasion Note Card Set

Tea

  On my visit to Lauriam Tea House with my brother I spotted this little gem. The spout/filter comes with two adapters that will allow it to fit on any water bottle! It has been coming with me to yoga class, allowed me to use up more tea and kept me hydrated. 

Beauty

 It has been a long running tradition for my Mom and I to watch City Line together, especially on Fashion Friday! Late Spring this little blessing was shown and I just had to try it out! My lips had never felt so moisturized from any lip colored product. It has been part of my quick- and -easy beauty routine since (I am such a lipstick and eyeliner girl). Currently I only have #4, a lovely bright orange that works for my complexion but this pink (or brighter) is on my list.

Body

  I am notorious for skipping breakfast, but that is not a problem anymore. Before this plant based mix I was using Vega and it was WAY too sweet. This one is perfect as it is packed with vitamins, minerals and all those things that our body needs. The bonus for me is that it helps so much that I have almost cut coffee out of my "morning" routine and replaced it with lemon water (More on that latter) or tea. 

Home 

   With everyone glued to their phones these days, it is refreshing to receive (or send) an actual letter. These note cards are adorable! I can not imagine working at my desk without them. They can be used for birthdays, thank you notes, anniversaries etc. To make things even easier they are organized by little tabs so you always know what you have.

Mugicha : Japan's Summer drink

 Summer is just not the same with this staple drink, Mugicha. It is roasted barley that has been steeped to create a concoction or tea. It has the roasted taste of Hojicha but is 100% caffeine free. Through university it kept me cool once the seasons got hot.
   It was once created from scratch at home but now you can purchase packets (of up to 56 ) in China town (Korea Town or your Asian Grocer ). it is even available online at Jlist and Amazon.
After a little searching, I found a recipe if you want to try making it at home, for cheep healthy summer drink. Recipe can be originally found over at La Fuji Mama, a blog dedicated to exploring the tastes of the world with her family.

Homemade Mugicha (Japanese Roasted barley Tea) 

Makes 8 cups
1/3 uncooked pearl Barley
8 cups water

1.  Put the barley in a large dry skillet and toast over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring the grains. Shake the skillet occasionally so that they toast evenly, until the grains have turned a dark rich brown colour. Remove from heat and pour out into a bowl or a paper towel to cool

2.   Bring the 8 cups of water to a boil in  a pot, add the cooled toasted barley, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the barley continue to steep as the mugicha cools, for about 5 minutes.

3.   Strain out the barley, pour the mugicha into a pitcher and chill.

Morning Kickstart: Matcha Magic

Do you get up and are all ready for your day, but when it hits 10am ( or 1pm) you want to curl up for a nap? So do I, after this happened so many times at work I needed a way to keep going. My favorite mid morning (or mid day) pick me up is Matcha with protein.
   When I do make this drink I try to use a culinary grade, that way I have all my ceremonial grades for straight drinking (yumm). It is very easy to make , so easy you can "mix it" while you are going out the door. This duo is great even in the morning when you pair it with some fruit separately or throw it all in a blender for a complete meal.
 

Matcha Magic

All you need is:

2-3 tbs of Matcha
4 tbs of Your Choice of Protein Powder (optional)
1 1/2 cups of Milk (or Substitute)
Ice
Large travel bottle with a large mouth


1.   Fill your bottle half way with ice (if you like less then go for it!) and top off with 1 cup of milk (or substitute.

2.   Mix together matcha and protein powder into the bottle. Close and shake till it looks well mixed.**

3.   Add in remaining milk, shake and enjoy!



**If you have problems with the matcha mixing then try this little trick before adding it to the bottle:

1.   Put matcha and protein powder in a small mug and add in a bit of the milk.
2.   Mix with fork (or old matcha whisk)
3.   Add to bottle, add remaining milk, shake. Enjoy

How to make After Yoga Tea (Treat)

After every class I ache. Yoga is meant to calm and sooth but being that I am an A-type Aries, I push a little. These (good) aches, need a little love after I have spent time honoring my body. I am sure there are those of you that push a little too so I'm going to share my favorite after class treat with you.  Trust me its tea based and delicious.

Using the old Ayurvedic medicinal properties to our benefit, Chai Tea is our friend. I am not an herbalist, doctor or medicial person or any nature. The only thing I know is that everything feels better after I have this treat. The brew gives you a little energy back and you muscles will feel soothed (which is the magic of the spices working together!).

After Yoga Chai Tea

All you need:

• Chai tea of your choice
• Milk or milk substitute
• Sweetener or alternative
• Small sauce pan
• Glass
• Ice

1.  Measure 1.5 cups of milk  and add 3.5 Tsp  to sauce pan. Watch closely and stir often, once warm add sweeter. Watch the colour, you want a nice dark taupe.  (feel free to taste test, but be careful I do not want you to burn yourself).

2. Once at your desired point, fill your cup (or glass) with ice. Hold your infuser over your cup and carefully pour the chai through it and into your cup.

3. Add more ice if necessary to chill the brew. Enjoy!

Alternatively to icing it, chill in the fridge and make a larger batch.

** measurements should be adjusted to your drinking cup size. Just go for half the volume plus a touch more.

Please share with me how this changed your yoga practice (or if you liked it just as a summer treat).

Seasonal Depression: Tea Solutions

     
    Every year around this time of year there is a percentage of us that suffer from Seasonal Depression. I will admit I am one of them. It's hard to tell as I will be all smiles around people but when I am alone, with my cat, its hard to think of anything to do or even find the energy.
   I decided to let you all know this because I feel that tea helps me get through by pushing through these feelings.  I will admit to laying on my bed for long periods of time but those moments I get up to make a cup of tea just help push through down moments..
    The teas that help the most are those with a good amount of caffeine. I feel that the reason behind this is due to it giving you energy to move and also l-Theanine calming effect.
    For this reason I like to have a nice warm bowl of matcha to keep me going and focused. My favourite Matchas are:
-Yugen from Kono-En
-Kan no Shiro from Ippodo
-Matcha Sendo- Camellia Sinensis

Drink up and stay healthy!

________________________________________________________________________

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