Urban Oasis: Lole White at Fort York Toronto 2015

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to connect with nature, find balance and peace. Past posts from the series can be found here.

The second last Saturday of August was Toronto's chance to have the Lole White event. If you have never been to this event before, it is a yoga event which is dedicated to peace. Thousands of yogis (depending on venue size of course) get together for a yoga session together with that single thought in mind. Trust me it is well worth it to go at least once my first experience brought me close to tears, as the energy from everyone with this single thought was so powerful.

Unlike last year which was held inside the ROM (and in the evening rather than the morning), we got packed up in the wee hours of the morning to get to Toronto by 8am or so. The view while we waited in line for the gates to open was breath taking.  It felt like I was called to this space as it was so close to the Exhibition grounds which was gearing up for Warrior's day (which always falls on the first Saturday during its run). It was very nostalgic as when my Grandfather was alive we would go on that exact same day every year with him. So for me it felt a little more emotional than it usually would.

Once settled in (and picked our spot on the field) we relaxed a bit. Ahem.. I mean went shopping at the pop up shop. I really wish they had sunglasses there as I left mine at home (aka was too sleepy to remember them). A lovely volunteer offered to take our picture to remember the event. By the way if you look at last years photo, we are pose quite similar to then (how does that happen?).

The wait till the event started was well worth it. In front of my Mom and I was a lovely lady who used to come into Teaopia when I worked there. It was so touching that she remembered me. When the event ended I ensured to say goodbye to her before we left the grounds. I hope to run into her again in the future (ah Teaopia).

   Overall the event was very uplifting and set the right tone for the rest of the day. I almost forgot how unique it is to practice yoga and meditation in the morning rather than latter in the day.
   I hope you check out this event (or one near you, by the way there is a free one in New York City at Central Park tomorrow ).  If you want to find out more about the event check out their webpage at the link below. Till next time everyone.

Lole White Tour Website / Twitter / Youtube

Oasis (Tea and Meditation) Room Project: Room Tour

   What a week so far! Saturday's Outdoor Yoga Event really kicked me down for a while (aka Sunburnt), but I am back with a room tour! Putting this together for  you guys really made me feel a little nervous but I am glad to get this out there for you to see. 

    There are a few things that still need to be done (like the switch plates and finding frames), but they are so minor that I just had to share this with you now.

 
I am so proud that all of these areas have come together as they have. It was such an adventure from start to finish (check out some progress images over on Instagram). My meditation corner is so comfy now that I have used it a few times to read (or finish up a post). The table fits perfectly into the space and allowed me to really sink into my meditations.

    From last week you might have noticed the medallion art piece, here is the one that I got last year. It was a local find and I adore how it brings nature into the room. On the opposite wall is a canvas piece I created last year for motivation. The same line is on a print over at Every Girl but I wanted the colors to fit into the space and pop off the wall. 

  Right next to my bed is a wire plant stand that I found at Winners. The color did not suit my room so it got a little face lift. The surprising part about it was that it fit my storage basket with my yoga supplies in it.  To top it off I got this adorable lamp at Walmart for about 10$ (My Mom get's the credit though as I was unsure how it would look). Right beside it are a few things to help me relax just before bed (a sandalwood candle and lavender pillow mist). 

This is a rare sight to see on my desk (so clean!) but even with it covered in planner supplies (or tea) it still inspires me each time I sit at it. For my books, rather than using a bookend, I am useing a statue I have in my collection (ahem, my brothers collection). I am debating switching Ganish to Lu Yu as he would be a friendly sight while I am at my desk. 

         While putting together this room I was not going to keep this board in my room but I opted last minute to create an "inspiration board". Most of the cards are from Kikki.K's inspiration board kit but there is also a quote that came with a Julep Maven box. To the left of the yellow card is a mini bud vase that I got as a gift from my mom a few years ago. Nothing in it right now but I will soon.

       This project gave me the time to finally go through the books I have out while living at home. Now all the ones I have on hand are ones that not only I reference regularly, but make me happy to see. Throughout my room is many different volumes on tea and also learning Japanese. 

      For when I make tea I have my kensui available to make clean up a breeze.

   As I said I have to get more frames but in the mean time I still have the pieces up to inspire me. All of the tea art is from Global Tea Hut and I can not see myself ever letting them go.

I hope you enjoyed this little room tour and perhaps it inspired you to create a space that brings you joy.  Till next time, cheers!

Magical Inspiration: Miracles Now Deck

   

There are days where I have a burning question about a person, situation, thought or even how the day will go. For as long as I can remember I these kinds of things bothered me so much that I worried myself sick. During a bit of my teen years I turned to Tarot cards but I was just looking for quick advice. Flash Forward to this year and the solution was found : Oracle Cards!

   While this is my second deck, I love how simple it is. Every verse is taken from Gabrielle Bernstein's book "Miracles Now".  If you see her book at the library or a book store check it out, as it can be used as a oracle deck too. I love how innovative this deck is, to take a book and create something for little "miracle moments".

You may be asking how do you use them. Gabrielle suggests to put your hand over the deck and say " Thank you, divine guidance. I need a Miracle Now. Show me what you've got!".  While I love the line I prefer something quiet (and less embarrassing if someone walks by my room).

   Simply concentrate on what you need guidance for while you shuffle the cards (or mix them around on the floor/bed). Then let your hand  hover over them and wait for a warmth to come to your hand over a card. Take the one that gives off the warmth. This has worked for me each and every time. Try it out and see if this method resonates with you.

 When I was putting together this post I pulled a card ( I was feeling a little nervous about writing another post, it happens a lot). The one I pulled was: "Happiness is a choice I make". It really picked me up (the colours helped too) and I got to work.  I use this deck as part of my spiritual and tea practice. A little motivation goes a long way when you need a touch of guidance. Try it out and meditate on it if you are adding it to your practice.

   Have you used Oracle cards before (this deck or another)? How do you incorporate it into your practice? Share your experience in the comments below!

Quotable Life Lessons: Do what you can not

    Inspiring quotes can provoke you to set intentions and become closer to your truth. Quotable is a series where thought provoking lines from various sources are brought together and lessons can be learned from each one. 

   Tune in to either set your intention for the week and learn more about yourself to get closer to living in your highest truth. All past posts can be found over on the Quotable series page. 

Doing new things can be scary, just like when you first tried to ride your bike without training wheels. Think back to how it felt once you got the hang of it. I bed the feeling of freedom and accomplishment flooded your body. Now latter in life that same fear of trying something new gets us.     To work those muscles of learning new things keep a list on hand of things you would love to do. My recent fear is painting my room, I have never done it before. While I do have the paint in the house it has been such a struggle to get started. Thoughts such as, "will that colour look too bright for a basement room?" and even "will I like that colour for the celing?". It goes on and on, but I have begun to get past it.
   By starting to coordinate colours of fabrics, accessories and even floor pillows (I love sitting on the floor), I am on my way to getting this room done. My next step is to take everything off the walls and wipe it down, before filling in all the holes. Once I am there It will be an adventure to get the room painted.
   The key to learning something new, (matter how scary it is to start) is to do it all in baby steps. After completing each step, celebrate and move on to the next one.

Is there something you are scared to learn? Tell us about it and how you are facing it.

Digital Table: Global Tea Hut December 2014 + January 2015

 Welcome to the Digital Table where you are part of a global conversation with tea. Global Tea Hut is a Non-Profit Organization that sends out a sampling of tea, a gift and a special magazine. Everything is brought together by the community to spread the love of tea, Dao and Zen. Join us the last week of every month to discuss the current packet from Global Tea Hut.

      This series was created because the message from Global Tea Hut touched me. It is of my own creation and I receive nothing from them ,but good karma of spreading their message and cause . All past posts can be found under "Digital Table" here

December 2014 

 Spring 2007 "Old Man Camphor" Shou Puerh from Lincang, Yunnan

  This tea was a just what I needed when  I was sick a few weeks ago. It gave me a little energy and also casted a calmness over my body. Old Man Camphor smelt very similar to wet forest, earthy and rich. The liquor brewed thick with a sweetness at the end. I noticed a taste of baked cookies that came in before the taste of cooked fruit. Each infusion washed a warmth over you with each sip.

     It was like a big hug from the Global Tea Hut Community . A togetherness that is very similar to the lovely holiday card and photo of Global Tea Hut members. The together they invoked the spirit of the season, family.

January 2015 

 Winter 2014 "Buddha's Palm" Oolong from Pingling, Taiwan

    Who doesn't love a roasted oolong on a cold night? They just warm you right up and that is exactly what this tea did. Buddha's Palm is a lightly roasted rolled oolong that just begged to be steeped. When steeped had delicious smell of dried fruit, perhaps raisins.  The taste reminded me of cooked apple crumble. It just coated the mouth just right.

"With Slow, Gentle Graceful Movements" by Wu De

 December's issue continued the discussion of a poem on essence of Gongfu tea. This month we are touching on "slow, gentle graceful movements". This line refers to the elegance that comes from being awareness of every move you make as you brew. Wu De suggests we "connect to you tea practice at every stage of the process". We do this by being present and being in the practice of connecting to your tools. 

    To boil it down even further, you need to have a complete awareness (like being aware of your body in yoga) as you brew. Slow down, take your time and make each movement with your full concentration. Focus on each specific task as it arises: when you are rinsing the leaves, boiling water, cleaning etc. Do each task with focus and love.

"Changing Lives with a Kettle & Some Bowls" by Sam Gibb

   January's issue touched me with Sam's article about sharing tea with children. I have always believed that they are our future and should be taught things to make it better. Meditation is just one of those things, and Sam took it up a notch with some tea (why not?). Sharing tea to teach and foster meditation, is an easier manner for those not used to it. It is perfect method to use with kids and teaching anything is always rewarding (even more so with children).
    It all started with camping retreats where Sam early in the morning held his morning ritual of tea and meditation. He was soon surprised with a few kids (and more each day) who joined him. After they all returned back to school some students wanted to continue having tea. This is where Tea Club started.
  Sam stated that his reason for teaching them meditation is that: "society is moving away from stillness and true connection, instead we are all looking at our phones".  With his teaching his students began to notice nature around them and even started to have tea at home.
  A few of the students wrote about what tea ment for them Amelia wrote a powerful line in hers "Tea for me is a safe, peaceful place".  For me this shows how important skills such as meditation and tea should be taught at an earlier age. That way we may reach a day where there is more respect and harmony amongst the world. Which may very well lead to peace.

Global Tea Hut is a digital community where tea drinkers enjoy the same tea(s) every month across the world. It is subscription based where all the proceeds go towards a non-profit tea center (Tea Sage Hut) in Taiwan that is open to all. For more information on Global Tea Hut and the center please visit them at:

Global Tea Hut

Tea Sage Hut

**All opinions are my own and subscription is paid by me, as a donation to the tea center

Quotable: Accepting that we are not perfect

    Inspiring quotes can provoke you to set intentions and become closer to your truth. Quotable is a series where thought provoking lines from various sources are brought together and lessons can be learned from each one. 

   Tune in to either set your intention for the week and learn more about yourself to get closer to living in your highest truth. All past posts can be found over on the Quotable series page. 

This weeks quote is about accepting yourself as you are. When the topic of self-acceptance comes up we tend to feel a little anxious (I'm feeling it). That is to be expected as it can be scary to go on that journey. It takes time and effort, but when we do get there it will help you become an even better version of yourself.

      We can be build it through practices such as yoga,meditation , tea and even art. Each of these offer you a chance to really experiment without the worry of making a mistake. You are instead given the freedom to experiment, and that is the beauty of these practices. Learning what works for you as you as you play and learn from your "happy mistakes".
        Have fun, get messy and make mistakes!

Single? Plan your Valentine's Day Night (In or Out ) of Fun

Its almost valentines day and it is also a great time to celebrate the relations around you. Focusing on family and friends lets celebrate being single and put good intentions out there. These intentions, by celebrating the good relationships, you can attract other good things in your life (maybe Mr. Right even).
   Lets make this a day where the rule is to not have pity on yourself for past relationships. Having fun instead is the key. So here are some ideas for your day whether it is a night in or out.

photo via IheartU via photopin

If you are having a day in...

• Go out ahead of time to get anything you need  (face masks, bath bombs or even new colour of polish, or even all of it)
• set up flowers to be delivered to you with a little intention or affirmation (maybe "I am loved")
• Pick your movies for the day of (You've got Mail is my personal favorite, what is yours?)
• Order in dinner and set up your plate like your at a high end restaurant (you can even light some candles)

If you are going out...

• Gather up some other single friends and plan a night together
• Go out to play slots
• Make a reservation at a restaurant
• Go to the movies
• Go out dancing

Trust yourself: the power of self belief

There was many times through my life I doubted myself. Especially during university going through art school. Every piece I created was a part of me,  just as it is with all other artists.
  During one class in my final year , each student was given a price is paper. Printed in it were words that have helped me through dark times and reach my goals. "Trust yourself". 

Who would have known that those three words helped me begin to develop Tea Journey and even dream up new things for my portfolio. It even helped a dear friend of mine when he was conflicted with some personal matters. Those two words helped him find the answer he needed. 

   I know I am not the only one who has moments when you need a little push. So feel free to print out the image above and place it somewhere you will see it every day, or even write it on a small card and carry it with you in your wallet. You hold with in you everything you need to do the best thing for your self, Trust Yourself.

ps. If any guys want a less girly version, leave a comment and I'll post one just for you. 

much love,

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? ).

Going to Blog Podium 2014 in Toronto : Planning

There was an itch throughout my body but once I clicked that last button it was gone. It was final. No way out. Paid and done. Monday August 4th was a holiday here, but that still meant work had to be done.  For me it meant getting to a sale before it ended, what girl can pass up a sale?
    Blog Podium 2014 , it was finally mine ( a seat I mean). It was a blessing that such an event exists in Toronto once a year. Blog Podium is for Design and lifestyle bloggers to come together. To learn. To grow. To connect. Then most of all create lasting friendships with other bloggers.

 
There is so much to do before the event, it is a little over whelming. Thankfully I was able to schedule my day for the event through the website. (Full day with all options can be seen here.)

Key talks I am attending:

•  Tabletop Photography- Object and Food Styling by Giulia Doyle
•  Bloggers and Brands  by Mara Shapiro (Brazenwoman.com) and Shannoon Acheson (AKA Design)
• The Entrepreneur Mindset: Finding Success Online and Offline by Scott McGilivray, Monika Hibbs and Jennifer Flores
• Bloggers and PR Workshop II

  While I look forward to all of these talks and my appointment with Nerd Station for a consultation by Camp Tech. There is so much to do before even waking up that day. Being new to Blog Conferences I am a little nervous but super eager to make the right impression. How am I going to do that? First be myself, but here is some other things that are on my list.

The To-do list: 

• Pick the right outfit (why not be cute and comfortable)
• Print new business cards ( Gotta share my new logo!)
• Get to know other bloggers who are attending ( Tweet me girl! )
• Decide what is going in my gear bag (and match to outfit)

September is quickly approaching. Preparing is just the first step, next is actually putting my plans into action. So lets get started!

Quotable Life Lessons: Inspire Courage

    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.

   Finding the right thing to post is hard, especially since there is no "right" thing. Funny right? Today was especially hard, I started like three other posts and eventually decided this was the one to share.
   The quote was found on a cup sleeve from Starbucks and it touched my so I kept it. I have it posted right next to where I am writing right now.
    It may be simple but to do it it does take courage. You need to those negative thoughts where they belong (in the trash aka. Banish those baddies). Take the comments from others with a grain of salt ,especially when they are along the line of you old negative thoughts (if they are then again, put. them. in. the. trash.). Then there are just life roadblocks. It makes us want to scream!
    but, if you are doing what you want then you will still be happy and that is what counts. Don't sweat the small stuff and live how you want to live! or take steps to create it.
     My small steps have been working here at Tea Journey, getting my portfolio website up and going, working with a designer to get them all sparkly and new and working on my Entrepreneurship class. The last is the hardest.  But working towards doing something I LOVE full time is my dream.
 
  What scary thing are you working on or towards that you are building up the courage to do?

Quotable Life Lessons: Inspire Peace

    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.

Being in the moment and "stopping to smell the roses", helps you enjoy the little things in life. For example enjoy being at the cottage with family (where I am now) and enjoy the sensation of water as a dog shakes it off. It's a simple thing but let it happen as truthfully you can not gain control of every action of the universe. 

Namaste,

Katherine

Zen Corner: Create an Altar

 
 Through High School I was very dedicated to learning Wicca and felt that it was my path. As the years passed I left it behind but still maintained an altar. This space kept me focused and reminded me of the goals I wanted to accomplish. Now more than ever I need this space, to center myself and guide me to where I am going next. With my Durama still missing one eye (you paint the second one after your goal or wish has been granted/fulfilled) I am very eager to get the ball rolling.

   The key items on my Altar are my Guwan Yin statue , Durama, and Inari (fox) figure. The first I got last year, it called to me as it had the Heart Sutra on the front and lotus flowers around the base. Also I have a bit of a personal connection with Guwan Yin that is hard to explain.  Durama, as I mentioned still only has one eye painted (this is the red "ball" like figure behind the Angel). When you receive one you decide on a goal or wish and paint one eye. The other one is only painted once it is fulfilled. Lastly, Inari is the small fox figure. I have a connection to foxes that has lasted since High School. Inari, to me, is the god of tea. This is because the figure is usually prayed to for harvest and fertility, but for me that is tea.

 Create your own Altar

  Altars have many shapes and forms but common items include incense and candles. While there is no one way to create an Altar or shrine, here is a few suggestions of overall "themes".

Love shrine

Create a space that is dedicated to finding your soul mate (or go the Hey Arnold route and dedicate it to someone). The items you could include may be: letters you wrote, candles, pictures, figures, books, gifts for them etc

A loved one who passed 

 When my grandpa passed a few years ago adding a picture of him helped me grieve but having a space just dedicated to them alone is also another route. You could include things they liked , jewelry that was theirs, pictures, any item that reminds you of them and perhaps some candles. 

Travel

Whether you have caught the travel bug or itching to go on an adventure, creating a space to remind yourself of your goals is perfect. Add pictures of the places you want to go, figures of landmarks, souvenirs, postcards, maps etc.

Your own religious practice 

     Everyone has their own beliefs so I wanted to put this idea out there. Create a space that reflects that. I was brought up Christian but I do not truly follow any one set of practices. This is why my shrine has a mix of differnt symbols. Although if I were a practicing Christian I would perhaps have a bible, statue of marry and pictures of my family. Or If I were Jewish I would again create a little collection of items that reminded me of my faith. 

  No matter what your faith and beliefs you can create a space for your practice. They are part of you , so keep them with you.

I would love to see your altar/shrine, share links to pictures in the comments below.

Free Printable: Inspiration #2

     Ever since watching Disney's Pocahontas I have believed that we are all connected. Race, age, likes, dislikes, religion etc. All of these things just make us unique, while beneath it all we are the same. Acceptance of others (and of ourselves) will lead to acceptance and greater understanding. This weeks quote is from Patti Smith, Artist and musician, and I feel it explains it all.

The Morning Cure: Feel Awake Now

Waking up any morning can be a struggle, add work into the equation and it can be interesting (life or death). This morning was one of those days. I thought about how I need to change my routine (and make sure there is milk for my breakfast shake).
   For those who are like me ( in their 20s or not :p) our bodies are still trying to decide what is the best time to get up. Late nights, that are actually late mornings. We got picked on by our parents for our "unhealthy" schedule but found freedom once we moved out. Although realistically we came back to square one
 
Here are some key tips to help get you moving and (the important thing) wake up!

1. Eat something 

    Anything is better than nothing. Find a few foods that you enjoy in the morning and keep them around. It is always a good thing to have foods with some kind of protein content. Today was a Blueberry Greek yogurt and Organic Peanut butter on toast day. Both will give me that extra little bit of energy to keep me going.

2. Have something energizing

   If your diet allows, it always helps to have a caffeinated drink. My fall backs are Matcha, Oolong , and coffee. Each offer something different. Matcha will slowly wake you up and is also easy on your body. Oolong is a calming morning tea, it not only wakes you up but keeps you grounded. Now I can already hear my tea friends comments about coffee. Here is the low down on this drink. It contains magnesium and other vitamins that (for what ever reason) make me feel healthier than taking vitamins. I am unsure why this is but it works for me (for now :p Matcha shakes to come!).
  If you want to try something a little different try out this matcha recipe.

3. Exercise (light or not)

     Working in some of your regular work out ,stretches or Yoga is a perfect way to get your body to wake up. Moving the body warms it up and gets it ready for your day.  I take my yoga classes in the evening so if I am in need of a teacher I quickly go to YouTube. I suggest this following video for light stretches to wake up, Adriene is encouraging and fun.

Free Printable : Inspiration

    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 inspiration for our day. This series will pop up every now and then with a free printable. Feel free to download and have a copy where ever you may need it. I personally have a collection posted in my Studio (bedroom :P ) and they help me get through those tough moments.

  This series was inspired by all of you, as you keep me inspired to keep going. Thank you for your comments, e-mails , 1+ , etc. I feel blessed to have such a great community here with all of you. Big thank you to Ginny , King Koh, and Nicole. I love you all. 

xxoo Katherine

Get Green: budding bonsai

    Bonsai trees are a mini living representation of Zen and Dao. They grow and stay small (with some help), but they also become something so simple. A living tree . I know this is crazy to point out but they are defined as decorative plants to some people or hobbies to others. To me and others who adore them, they are an art form that represents life. Over 10 years ago they were cool and now its a struggle to find a good starter tree.
   To solve this problem and get myself back into my secret old woman-like-art-form, I am going to grow my own tree. Recently we added a small juniper tree to our garden, so I took a small cutting to get started. By soaking the freshly cut end in water with wet paper towel to ensure constant water source. In a few weeks, I am hoping it will take root so that it can be soon planted into a small pot.
 Updates to come, I will post images on twitter, Instagram and other posts. Keep your life green.

Urban Oasis: Montreal's Japanese Tea House Garden

How Marrie Forleo will change how you look at your life

    

 Sometimes we need to change a few things in our lives to be  happier, little tweeks here and there.  December last year I was let go due to company changes. The change hit me hard. A few weeks prior I had gone to Ottawa and Montreal for the Ottawa Tea Festival with them. As well I had made the conscious choice to quit smoking (since starting Fall 2009). Not having an income really hit home for me. I overall felt like I had no one to turn to and It was a week before I felt I could tell my family.  In the end I had to move out of my apartment, this only made things worse. It felt like I was loosing part of myself, my little niche. I cried a fair amount while packing up my teas and tea ware. How can our lives get reduced to a number of boxes?
      The week after Christmas a family member offered to help me . After writing resumes and cover letters, I was then going to Halifax.  Don't get me wrong I loved it out there. It was so calming, knowing that everything around me was new. In the end it did not last. I had to leave someone behind and come back to Ontario.  Again a heavy depression hit.  I slept in and stayed up extra late. I did not have the will to do anything.
       Then one day My mom invited me to go to Yoga with her. Who would have known that this small change made a big change for me as a person. I went once a week a first then signed up for a whole eight week session twice a week. I love it.
      
     Shortly after those first two classes I began to feel much more like myself again. I began to blog again and even began to invest in myself. Putting myself first was the best thing that I have done for myself in the (almost there) 4 years of writing for Tea Journey. My role model is Marie Forleo. If it were not for her book "Make Every Man Want You" and her channel on YouTube MarieTV, I would not have made this change.
     

Marie Forleo can change how you look at the world

1. Say no to negativity
           Before and a bit during I was in constant contact with people who were negative. During my healing process I choose not to talk to them. For some I had to temporarily remove them from my Facebook feed, to keep their voices out of my head.

2. Make "is-ness" my business
         Focusing on the now rather than the past, I was able to progress forward. I make sure to be in the moment even for simple things like washing the dishes, listening to my parents' day , or  hunting around the house for my cat (You know that you do it too, lol). I focus on one thing and push other thoughts out of my mind.

3.  Be silly
      There have been countless times that I want to be just plain goofy, but I stopped myself. Now I let myself let the goofiness out and push the worrying voice away.  I can be seen dancing a little while shopping, bouncing on my bed (oh man this really is the best), nerding out with my brother or even rolling around on the floor with my cat :)

4. Build a routine
      Alright I'll admit I don't get up the same time everyday. But my routine is the same  (unless its the weekend), getting up and reading something to get my mind going, get up make a cup of jo (Im working on changing back to tea, trust me), read a bit more, pop on a video (or tunes), make up and then clothes. It all ends with me reading through Bloglovin to check up on a few people (Shout out to Nichole and Rita, represent ) to see whats up with them. 

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