I love a good cup of tea. It makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. It also links me to my childhood. Our family were forever drinking tea.
Whether it was a visit to my English Nanna or the trips on holiday to all of my Irish relatives I could guarantee that tea would be on the agenda. In the hurly burly of all the chatter flying backwards and forwards I would sink into a comfortable silence. I loved to listen. I wonder if that’s where I first discovered the joy of being invisible? The grown ups forgot about me as the teapot poured another cup. I probably heard far too much but I felt included in a bigger world. I loved the silence too. It was where I had room for my own thoughts.
Feeling comfortable is one of my key values. I want to be relaxed and I want others to relax too. Just like both sides of my family I tend to reach for the tea pot as soon as anyone calls by. It’s one of the things I enjoy about the Centre. Anyone can call in and get a cuppa. Then we can relax and talk. Or listen. Even sit in silence enjoying the moment. When I started my counselling training I rediscovered the peace of sitting with another person sharing the silence. It became a key part of my practice. Silence creates space for the mind and feelings to surface. Silence is a wonderful way to acknowledge my inner voice. And sitting quietly with another can be a perfect demonstration of empathy and support.
The world is very noisy. Busy. I love to sit in my office in silence too. Feeling comfortable with getting on with my tasks. Letting sounds fade away.
It becomes a timeless space. I become invisible to the world outside my door. With my cup of tea to hand I explore all sorts of ideas. I create, examine, find out, tidy up, calculate, surf, visualise, solve, plan, review and write. Comfortable in my own company. Focused on tasks. Or daydreaming the future. I am also processing my experiences. Tea and silence. A thoughtful space to explore how I’m feeling. To look at what is troubling me. A space too where I can get the support of my Guides. They may be invisible to the rest of the world too. Yet I know they are there. Sharing the moment, drinking their own tea and working things out with me.
There is nothing quite like that feeling. The comfort of knowing that they care. That is the energy I hope to share with my cups of tea at the Centre. And the silence of me listening if someone needs it. Or the quiet presence of company when times are tough. I’m grateful that I learned about silence, invisibility and the tea pot ceremony when I was young. And grateful for all of the cuppas that have been made for me whilst I poured out me feelings. To the people who listened in silence, fading into the background to allow me space, I offer my thanks. It’s because of your kindness that I can appreciate the comfort of caring for others in this way. My kettle is always on in honour of your example So pass the biscuits 💜
Day 528 of my blogging challenge