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Tea Practice Poem

A tea practice poem? Have you ever heard of a gatha (pronounced GAH-tuh)? It’s a short poem used in some Buddhist traditions to redirect our mind to the present moment. Think of it like a “[meditation] practice poem.”

In honor of national poetry month, I thought I’d share Thich Nhat Hanh’s practice poem, or gatha, for mindfully preparing to drink tea. I use it a lot! In fact, if you have attended any of my Tea Mindful Together virtual meditations, you may have heard it before. (Subscribe to my newsletter to find out about these events and more.)

Tags meditation, mindfulness practice, tea practice

Blog

Zojirushi Thermos Review for Traveling with Tea

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date March 28, 2026
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This post reviews a Zojirushi Stainless Mug (basically a Zojirushi thermos) that I bought and used for outdoor and traveling with tea.

Preparing for a trip during which I knew I’d be drinking tea mostly outdoors, I decided to take a good thermos. That way, I could fill it with water to drink or hot tea–one vessel would work for either. This was going to be a more rugged trip than my usual traveling style, so I didn’t pack as much teaware as I usually do.

My old thermos leaks, so I wanted something better. I’d heard good things about Zojirushi, so I bought their 16 ounce “stainless mug.” I don’t know why they call it that and not a thermos!

Zojirushi thermos or stainless mug--lavender--next to a white teacup with a teabag on a tree stump

Tags review, tea accessories, travel with tea

Blog

Post about Preparing

A post about preparing–and why I haven’t been posting more on the blog lately.

Tea things are in the works, but not ready to materialize yet.

Life has been very busy as a professor and personally. Tea things, of course, are in the mix, too.

Here are a few things in the works to share in this post about preparing.

I’ve been looking for “freecycled” teacups to use for an upcoming tea event.

Blog Tasting Notes

Enhance Your Tea Tasting

I’ve been thinking about how to enhance your tea tasting.

There’s an underappreciated way to improve your ability to have a fuller tasting experience and clearer communication about tea. Simply put, it is increasing your exposure to a wider range of foods!

White porcelain tea tasting cup and aroma cup on a small white tray

Tags tea tasting

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Suggestions for Mindful Tea

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date February 26, 2026
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This post shares suggestions for mindful tea. With things you probably have in your cupboards right now, you can change how you prepare or enjoy your tea. Small changes could lead to big rewards, adding some calm and presence to your day.

What’s Mindful Tea

Starting with a definition, or understanding, of mindful tea is a great way to begin.

What’s Mindful Tea?

Photo of Traci --a white woman with shoulder length silver hair wearing glasses and all black and holding a teacup. This image symbolizes her monthly event for TIN subscribers--Tea Mindful Together

Tags meditation, mindfulness practice

Blog Tasting Notes

Burdock Root Tea

I love trying herbal teas, like burdock root tea, that don’t appear in the typical chain grocery store in the U.S. That’s partly because for years I thought I didn’t enjoy herbal tea. It turns out, I’m just not a big fan of mint or chamomile–probably the two most popular herbals in the United States.

So, when one of my favorite tea companies, Soocha Tea, added a new herbal tea to their collection, I knew I had to try. Maybe it would be a new option to add to my Herbal Tea Recommendations!

Dark amber steeped burdock root tea in a glass teapot with a green handle and a metal tea infuser inside and a metal lid on top

Tags #herbal, #tisane, tasting notes

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Share Love through Tea

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’ve been thinking about how we can share love through tea. In past years, I’ve shared posts on Valentine’s teas and tisanes and tea-infused chocolates. (I’ll link to those posts at the bottom of this one.) I’ve also featured Tea Love Stories–sharing, for example, how tea has brought couples and friends together.

This year, I have been deeply moved by the compassionate actions and support for social justice I’ve seen small tea companies perform–acts of love and deep care for wider humanity. So, I’m thinking about love in a more communal sense and showcasing the work of a few tea companies.

Tags tea love, valentine's

Blog

Handwarmer Mug: Accessibility Review

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date January 9, 2026
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This post provides a Handwarmer Mug review from an accessibility perspective. Neher Pottery makes the mug, which includes a “pocket” for your dominant hand. I share my thoughts and a loved one’s reaction to write this overview.

I’m still searching for and trying out mugs for accessibility. A family member who has issues with hand-swelling and soreness inspired this quest. I reviewed the CURVD wide-handled mug about a month ago.

This review is of the ceramic Handwarmer Mug from Neher Pottery. I would like to emphasize that the company was not advertising this mug as accessible. In their description on Etsy, they emphasized the “Handwarmer Mugs are designed with an ergonomic pocket so you can wrap your fingers in comforting warmth while you enjoy your favorite beverage.”

Side view of Handwarmer Mug from Neher Pottery next to some fuschia winter cabbage plants

Tags accessibility, accessible tea, mugs, teaware

Blog Tasting Notes

Favorite Hot Cocoa Recipe

Post author By Traci Levy
Post date December 20, 2025
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I’m delighted to share my favorite hot cocoa recipe!

Yes, I am a devoted tea drinker. But we also take homemade hot cocoa very seriously at my house! When my kids were growing up, we always made it on days it snowed. We still do. Of course, we also enjoy it on cold, snowless winter days.