The Tea Mind with Erica Moore

Episode SummaryThrough this conversation with Sarah Philip, a Psychologist and Coach with almost 20 years of experience in Education, we explore how clarity can often come from small moments of alignment - it doesn’t have to be big, life-changing decisions. When you create space to think, three things come into focus: your values, your time, and your attention. That clarity is what makes change possible.By noticing how you feel when life is a little misaligned, you’re better equipped to pause and return to what matters. By the end, you will leave with a simpler way of approaching your day. Perhaps your pause for tea today could change how you think, decide, and move forward?Today’s episode is brought to you by: The Energised Mind, a green tea blended with pear, rosehip, Schizandra berries, jasmine blossom & orange peel to boost your zest for life.In this pause for tea, you’ll discover:00:01 The idea that clarity often comes from small shifts, not big turning points00:04 Values as a quiet guide for decisions rather than rigid rules00:06 How you may already be building something without realising it00:08 The feeling of something being “off” as a useful signal, not a problem00:12 Why space to think is not optional, even in busy systems00:16 How constant pace removes natural moments of reflection00:18 A pause can exist in a single breath, not just in big breaks00:20 Using transitions like doorways or journeys as simple reset points00:23 The habit of noticing three good things to rebalance your day00:30 Accepting that you will not get everything done, and choosing what matters00:45 How three minutes of silence can create unexpected clarityYour values should be lived, not laminatedResources and Links* Sarah PhilpSarah is a Psychologist and Coach with almost 20 years of experience in Education. Her mission has always been to maximise the impact of Psychology; to help us understand ourselves and each other more deeply in order to be able to relate, learn and lead better together.Order Your Woven Week notepad or Your Woven Week journalWebsite LinkedIn Instagram Twitter* Resources mentionedSuzy Reading's book Rest to ResetDo/ Pause - Robert PoyntonMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like The Energised Mind.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryThis episode explores the feeling of over-commitment and the way constant yeses can leave us stretched thin without noticing.You’ll be guided to see that overwhelm is not always a planning problem. Sometimes it comes from generosity, ambition, or not wanting to disappoint. What feels heavy may not need more effort. It may just need a clearer decision.As you listen, you’ll begin to notice what is yours to hold, what is no longer yours to carry, and where your next boundary may be waiting.You’ll leave with one simple question: if you were choosing it again today, would it still be a yes?Today’s tea: Rose Petal Purify, A delicate blend of rose tea, gentle white tea, and a small hint of Thai ginger. It suits this episode well because clear choices often come when you slow down long enough to listen.In this pause for tea, you’ll discover:1:04 Using the warmth of tea to return to the present moment.2:56 Seeing how many “open tabs” your mind is carrying today.3:27 You do not need to hold every commitment at once.4:20 Over-commitment is often generosity, not failure.4:36 Why seasons of action can make everything feel urgent.5:13 Bringing one heavy yes into focus.5:25 Asking whether that yes came from intention or reflex.6:24 Turning clarity into one small next action.7:11 Choosing less does not mean caring less.You can choose less and still care deeply.Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Rose Petal Purify.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this short clarity session, we’re focusing on something simple but often avoided: finishing.Closing one open loop that’s been sitting in the background of your mind.We explore that moment where the energy of starting fades… and why so many things get left in that middle stage. Through a guided tea practice, you’ll be invited to notice where things tend to stall, what’s actually in the way, and how close you might already be to done.By the end, you’ll have one clear action, a specific moment to do it, and a simple way to move from open loop… to closed.Today’s tea: Royal Earl Grey, a black tea with bergamot. Warming, steady, and gently energising. Aligned with the Fire element, supporting focus and follow-through.In this pause for tea, you’ll discover:* 02:03 – The moment where energy drops after starting something* 04:38 – How to identify one “niggling” open loop* 06:26 – Why the gap to completion is usually smaller than it feels* 06:33 – Defining the final step without overcomplicating it* 07:04 – Deciding when you’ll finish it and setting a clear boundary* 08:01 – Moving from open loop to closed loop“Finishing isn’t about doing more. It’s about removing what’s in the way of the last step.”Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Royal Earl Grey.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryWelcome to The Tea Mind Podcast.This episode is a short clarity practice for moments when your mind feels full and you’re being pulled in too many directions.It will help you move from holding everything at once to seeing what actually matters right now.As you sit with your tea, you’ll begin to notice the difference between what feels urgent and what is actually important. Use tea to create enough space to see clearly.By the end, you’ll leave with one thing to focus on and a simple next step you can take today.Today’s tea: today I’m drinking Dragonwell Delight pan-roasted green tea.In this pause for tea, you’ll discover:00:00 Clarity comes from creating space, not adding more input00:43 The feeling of having too many tabs open and not feeling settled02:51 Noticing tension you weren’t aware you were holding05:18 Asking what actually matters today06:28 Choosing one small next step instead of solving everythingYou don’t need to hold everything at once. Just see what matters today.Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Blooming Marvellous.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryWelcome to Season 2 of The Tea Mind Podcast where we explore the moment something clicked… In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Buchan, a coach who works with women whose lives are working on paper… but don’t quite feel the way they expected.We explore The “Feel Alive” Moment - that moment when you realise that nothing is wrong, and yet something is missing. The point where success no longer feels like success… and a different question starts to niggle.Hannah shares a vivid turning point from her time as a teacher and mother - feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure what options were even available - and the moment in her kitchen where something shifted: “I just want to feel alive.”We explore what actually changed and how that came about through small, deliberate shifts rather than a massive leap. From following curiosity instead of certainty, to redefining success through how life feels day to day.By the end, you’ll have a simple 3-minute reset to help you reconnect with what you need - even in the middle of a busy life.Today’s tea: today I’m drinking Blooming Marvellous green tea, inspired by Hannah.In this pause for tea, you’ll discover:* 03:03 – The persistent feeling of “this should feel better than it does”* 05:56 – The kitchen moment: “I just want to feel alive”* 08:12 – When life becomes full, overwhelming, and hard to think clearly* 10:37 – Why ticking all the boxes didn’t feel like success* 12:30 – Discovering “feeling alive” as a core value* 13:10 – How small daily inputs shift your mindset and energy* 15:00 – Doing something uncomfortable (like surfing) to reconnect with yourself* 22:44 – Following curiosity instead of waiting for clarity* 30:13 – Why clarity doesn’t remove doubt and what actually helps* 47:19 – The power of small, consistent actions over time“When you’re lit up by something, it’s amazing what you can make time for.” Hannah BuchanResources and Links* Hannah Buchan Coaching: https://www.hannahbuchancoaching.com* Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-buchan-coach/Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Blooming Marvellous.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this Tea Mind pause, we pause with a cup of white tea and explore the gentle practice of openness.White tea carries a quiet, contemplative energy that naturally supports moments of reflection. As spring unfolds and the Wood element brings forward motion and growth, this practice invites balance through softness, awareness, and ease.Today’s tea: Any white tea you’re drawn to… White tea is often associated with clarity, openness, and moments of reflection. In this episode, I brew White Peach, a soft and delicate tea with silver buds and a natural peach aroma.In this pause for tea, we explore:* Using all your senses as you sip your tea* Imagining spring flowers slowly opening toward the light* Taking a mindful sip and noticing the tea’s journey through the bodyJust like tea leaves unfolding in warm water, openness often happens naturally when we give ourselves the right conditions.Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like White Peach.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this week’s Tea Mind Pause, I invite you to use this time to step way from the constant ping of notifications and tasks. Instead, see what it feels like to lean into the pace of your tea leaves instead of the clock.Today’s tea: Any herbal infusion you’re drawn to… I’m drinking the deliciously bright and tart Hibiscus (herbal infusion from Satemwa Estate in Malawi).In this pause for tea, you’ll find:* A short guided tea meditation for slowing down* Observing your tea through aroma, colour, and warmth* Reflecting on the question:“Where have I been hurrying when nothing is chasing me?”* Choosing one moment in your day to move at a cup-led paceAs you move through the day, try choosing one moment - a drink, a meal, or a conversation - where you allow yourself to follow the pace of the experience rather than the pace of the clock.Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Hibiscus.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryWith the Spring Equinox on 20 March, this Tea Pause is an invitation to check in with yourself and explore what can feel like “enough” right now. You’ll brew a cup of tea, settle into the body, and use the energy of the season to find a steadier middle ground between forward motion and rest.Today’s tea: Choose any white tea that you’re drawn to today, maybe Silver Needle or White Peony… I’m drinking The Balanced Mind - a white tea blended with cinnamon, apple, berries, blackberry leaves, and schizandra berries.Spring carries Wood element energy: forward motion, action, momentum.To balance that, this episode leans into Water element qualities: steadiness, grounding, slowing down.In this pause for tea, you’ll practice:* Arriving in the present moment through breath and body awareness* Noticing tension in the body and the quality of your thoughts* Using sound as an anchor (cup, brewing sounds, wind outside)* Exploring balance as a set of inner “scales” between effort and rest* Sipping tea mindfully by noticing aroma, colour, dry leaf, and how the warmth moves through the body* Closing with a simple reframe: balance as responsive, flexible adjustments through the dayBalance is not a fixed state. It’s the ability to notice what’s heavy, soften it a little, and make small adjustments so you can move through your day with more ease.Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like The Balanced Mind.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryToday’s Tea Pause is a small practice in simplicity - noticing how little is required for this moment to feel like enough.Today’s tea: Genmaicha (green tea blended with toasted rice).If you don’t have it, choose any green tea you’re drawn to- green tea and early spring “wood element” energy can support a lighter load and clearer direction.In this pause for tea, you’ll:* arrive in your senses (warm cup, steam, breath)* lengthen your exhale to soften your body* use two quiet cues: “Less to carry” (inhale) / “I am here now” (exhale)* set down one thing for a few minutes (urgency, self-criticism, that looping problem)* ask: What is enough for this moment?* choose one thing to leave behind for the next hourLet your next step be small and true to you. Then return to your day with a lighter grip.Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Gen Mai Cha.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, I’m joined by Claire Fitzsimmons, co-founder of If Lost, Start Here, a wellbeing company on a mission to help people get to a better place. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified emotions coaching practitioner, Claire works with women navigating change, burnout, emotional overwhelm or simply a sense of feeling stuck.We’re exploring The Rebalance Moment: that point when life quietly tips off-centre… and the small, repeatable rituals that help you find your way back.Claire shares a vivid moment from early motherhood, career transition, and running on empty - plus the practical tools she now uses to rebalance when life speeds up.By the end, you’ll have a simple 3-minute tea ritual to try this week. No perfection required.Today’s tea: today I’m drinking Hibiscus from Satemwa Estate in Malawi. In this pause for tea, you’ll discover:* The Rebalance Moment framework and what you’ll leave with (00:20)* Claire’s off-centre moment: press call & nappy change, and the “this isn’t working” realisation (02:16)* What overwhelm feels like in the body and mind: shallow breath, noise, disconnection (05:47)* Why we say yes: identity, people-pleasing, and fear of being seen as less capable at work (07:58)* Boundaries need backup: why systems, employers & culture have to “catch you” too (11:53)* How If Lost, Start Here evolved: arts career shift, Covid pivot, coaching, and simplifying wellbeing (14:23)* Curiosity & explorer moments: museums, cafés, novelty, and co-regulation as nervous system support (21:39)* Practical rebalance tools: name the emotions under overwhelm, stop to find the need, and use nature, creativity & connection (37:11)* Mind-body connection: and somatics (48:13)* Practical tea ritual for nature, creativity or connection (01:01:43)“Human connection heals in ways a screen can’t fully replicate.” Claire FitzsimmonsResources and Links* Website: If Lost, Start Here* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifloststarthere/* A Thought I Kept: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521342* Substack More Good Days for more ways to well.* Newsletter: https://iflost.myflodesk.com/ge9axhtvis* LinkedIn | Press* Wellbeing Journal: coming end of March (link coming soon)* Mentioned: Emma Gannon The Hyphen on Substack (overwhelm & structuring the day in chunks)* Mentioned: Happy Place Summer Camp, ReBalance Bath Festival of Wellbeing, Claire’s Reading Retreat* Also listen to me on Claire’s podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521342/episodes/18768563-tea-freedom-and-the-moment-you-come-back-to-yourself-with-erica-moore Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas & infusions, like Hibiscus.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryA Tea Pause for a Busy Mind (8 mins)When your thoughts are loud, your emotions feel close to the surface, or everything feels like too much… this Tea Pause is for you.Today’s tea: Kukicha Sencha (green tea - clean, light, gently renewing).Drink any green tea you’re drawn to and let it guide you back to balance.Safety note: If you’re driving, save this episode for later.In this pause for tea, you’ll:* ground your body (feet on the floor, spine long, shoulders soft)* breathe in calm, breathe out tension* use a simple tree visualisation: roots, trunk, branches, leaves* let one “leaf” go -one thought, tension, or feeling you’re ready to releaseEven if your mind is windy, you’re not the wind, you’re the treeResources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Kukicha Sencha.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummarySolo episodes are getting shorter - on purpose. This week is a gentle guided moment of attention you can do with a cup of tea in your hands.Today’s tea: a black tea (I’m drinking Besos de Calco, Colombian “chocolate kisses” black tea). Choose any black tea you feel drawn to.In this pause for tea, you’ll:* settle into your breath and body* soften tension (shoulders, jaw, stomach)* visualise warm sunlight and golden light* sip slowly and notice taste & where warmth lands* pick one word for how you want to feel todayTake this with you: the world will still be there afterwards. You can pause for tea anytime you need to.Resources and LinksMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover awesome teas, like Besos De Cacao.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryWhite tea is subtle, which makes it perfect for practising presence. In this episode, we explore Shoshin (beginner’s mind) as an antidote to living on autopilot - plus a 3-minute tea routine to help you taste your life again, even when your brain is doing admin.In this episode, we cover:* Why life can start to feel “same, same, same” as routines harden* Shoshin (beginner’s mind): openness without preconceptions, even when you’re experienced* The Einstellung effect: when your brain sticks with the familiar option even when there’s a better one* A rainy rugby match, a cold beige tea, and the moment you realise you weren’t really there* The contrast: sharing a pot of tea at home as a “container” for presence and conversation* The science-y thread: mind-wandering, the default mode network, and why novelty wakes attention up* Why white tea helps: minimal processing + delicate flavour = attention trainingYou don’t need a new life to feel awake - you need new attention inside the life you already have.Resources and Links* Shoshin - beginner’s mind (Medium): https://medium.com* Einstellung effect - The Decision Lab https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/einstellung-effect * Meditation & default mode network activity (Brewer et al., PNAS, 2011): https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1112029108* Novelty & dopamine & memory systems (PMC review): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6352318/* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our awesome teas, like Rose Petal Purify.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryThis week on The Tea Mind, I’m joined by Svetlana Kukharchuk, founder of The Cheese Lady and author of The Cheese Connoisseur’s Handbook. Her journey takes us from Siberia to Scotland, via cheese counters in New York and caves in France - but really, this is a story about trusting your senses, building from joy, and choosing progress over perfection.Whether you're a fellow foodie or just trying to bring more presence and pleasure into your week, this conversation will ground you, inspire you, and maybe even change your next trip to the cheese aisle.In this episode, we cover:* The surprising way Svetlana fell into the world of cheese* What affinage really is (and why it’s so much more than ageing)* Why she believes joy should not be saved for Christmas* Starting a business with a newborn - and why she did it anyway* How her childhood in Siberia shaped her resilience* The one blue cheese and baked cheese you need to try this winter* Why movement, breath, and cheese boards might be your new go-to ritualsResources and Links* The Cheese Lady Website* The Cheese Connoisseur’s Handbook* Follow Svetlana on LinkedIn and The Cheese Lady on Instagram* Murray’s Cheese – NYC* Hervé Mons – French Affineur* The Chocolate Tree (UK chocolatier)* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our awesome teas, Valentine’s shop now live.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryLate January can feel heavy. The “fresh start” buzz is gone, and spring feels miles away. In this episode, Erica explores wintering as a real practice (not an Instagram aesthetic), guided by the Water element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - quiet, deep, steady energy - paired with white tea. You’ll learn how to conserve your reserves now, so you’re resourced for the coming months.In this episode, we cover:* Why late January often feels harder than we expect (and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing).* How the Water element (TCM) frames winter: conservation, restoration, and working with fear rather than fighting it.* A river metaphor for resilience: water doesn’t battle the rock - it adapts and keeps moving.* Why “flow” isn’t doing more, it’s reducing internal noise.* A 3-minute tea-and-journaling ritual to build steadiness and protect your energy.Resources and Links* Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/438893/wintering-by-katherine-may/9781846045998* Winter, the Water element (Kidneys, reserves, fear) and Traditional Chinese Medicine article - Ear Spheres. https://www.earspheres.co.uk/post/winter-the-water-element-in-chinese-medicine-rest-renewal-and-returning-to-your-depths* Expressive writing research overview. https://cssh.northeastern.edu/pandemic-teaching-initiative/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2020/10/Pennebaker-Expressive-Writing-in-Psychological-Science.pdf* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our awesome teas, like these white teas.Gentle noteIf a low mood feels heavy, persistent, or scary, please reach out to a professional or someone you trust. Seasonal dips are common and support helps.* Resources for Mental Wellbeing: https://health-in-mind.org.uk/how-we-can-help/resources/* Resources for crisis support: https://health-in-mind.org.uk/how-we-can-help/get-help-now/ (Scotland) and https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (England & Wales)Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryAfter leaving law to build eteaket, I needed steady focus - not the spike-crash cycle I got from coffee. This episode explores why tea can feel calmer and clearer, and how pairing tea with tiny rituals (breath, stillness, journaling) creates “better energy” you can actually work with.In this episode, we cover:* Why “more coffee, more progress” can backfire - especially if you’re caffeine-sensitive* How caffeine can disrupt sleep and amplify anxiety, cravings, and the spike-crash loop* The shift from coffee-fuelled pushing to tea-supported presence (and why it helped after leaving law to build eteaket)* What makes tea feel different: L-theanine working alongside caffeine for calmer focus* Three teas for controlled energy - matcha for focus bursts, hojicha for gentle afternoons, rooibos for a full reset* A simple 3-minute Tea Mind routine: boil mindfully, breathe while it steeps, sip with intention* A practical note on balance - coffee isn’t the villain, but watch sugary matcha/hojicha lattesResources and Links* L-theanine + caffeine cognitive benefits: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21040626/* Alpha brain waves and calm focus: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/* Caffeine and sleep disruption: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24235903/* Caffeine and anxiety: Harvard Health https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/caffeine-and-anxiety* Yerba mate health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8622869* Rooibos benefits: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6533872* Last week’s episode on hojicha and calm productivity: episode* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our awesome teas, like these caffeine free infusions.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryTea is more than a beverage.It’s a practice.A pause you can borrow back from your day.In this episode, we explore Hojicha: a roasted Japanese green tea that doesn’t shout for attention, but can quietly change how you feel in your body and mind.If coffee makes you feel wired, scattered, or sleep gets messy… this one’s for you.In this episode, we cover* Why modern life leaves us overstimulated, and why “more caffeine” isn’t always the answer* The difference between high energy and high performance* My personal caffeine story: tea all day, but coffee jitters (and why matcha worked better for me)* The moment we discovered hojicha powder as a team and thought: this is the bridge between matcha and coffee* What Hojicha actually is, how it’s made, and why roasting changes everything* A simple caffeine comparison (per 240 ml)* The relaxing science: roasted tea aroma compounds (including pyrazines) and why L-theanine matters* A guided Tea Routine you can use today: The Evening Clarity CupResources and Links* Hojicha Lab caffeine chart (as referenced in the episode):https://hojichalab.co.uk/blogs/what-is-hojicha-the-complete-guide/hojicha-caffeine-the-complete-chart-vs-coffee-matcha-black-tea* Roasted tea aroma compounds and relaxation (pyrazines): Verywell Health (2024): https://www.verywellhealth.com/hojicha-benefits-11792506* L-theanine and alpha brain wavesNational Library of Medicine (paper on L-theanine and alpha waves):https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8080930/ and Medical News Today explainer: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324120* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our awesome teas, like Hojicha.Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.Erica xThe Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this final episode of Between Years, Erica gently closes the circle we opened twelve days ago. What began as a pause has become a rhythm. What felt like an ending reveals itself as a quiet beginning.This episode is an invitation to settle, integrate, and carry forward what has emerged during the days between years. With tea in hand, we reflect on what has softened, what has returned, and what now feels ready to walk with us into the year ahead.Completion here is not about closure. It is about continuity.In this episode:* Closing the Between Years journey with presence and intention* Working with Epiphany as a moment of illumination and return* A gentle herbal tea ritual for restoration and balance* How all five elements come into harmony at completion* Personal reflections on ease, flow, and listening rather than forcing* Noticing your final omen and what it reveals* How to integrate this pause into everyday lifeAs your tea brews, reflect quietly: What have these twelve days revealed and what keeps returning?Live SessionsI’d love you to join me at our Closing Circle (6 Jan) - a live online space to brew together, reflect, and set gentle intentions for 2026. Register now for your complimentary space (spaces are limited):Closing Circle 6 Jan 7-8pm UK time:Resources and Links* Join {Between Years} - the free 12 Day Tea Ritual at The Tea Mind Substack * Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new teas, like Sea Within.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this reflective episode, I invite you to pause at the doorway between the year that’s closing and the one just beginning. December 30 marks a quiet threshold – a chance to stop, breathe and notice what wants to stay and what’s ready to be released.Rather than rushing into plans or resolutions, this episode offers a simple ritual of black tea, presence and one meaningful question: What am I stepping toward, heart first?In this episode:* Why the in-between space of December 30 holds quiet power* How the Fire and Earth elements meet at the threshold* A black tea practice for grounding, softening and clarity* Personal reflections from Erica on what tea rituals revealed this year* A gentle invitation to set your word for the year ahead – not a goal, but a guiding quality* The power of small shifts and steady presenceLet the steeping leaves mirror your pace – slow and intentional. What am I ready to leave behind with gratitude?Live SessionsI’d love you to join me at our Closing Circle (6 Jan) - a live online space to brew together, reflect, and set gentle intentions for 2026. Register now for your complimentary space (spaces are limited):Closing Circle 6 Jan 7-8pm UK time:Resources and Links* Join {Between Years} - the free 12 Day Tea Ritual at The Tea Mind Substack * Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new teas, like Earl of Winter.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryI hope you had a very Merry Christmas (if you celebrate) or, simply a joyful, cosy day all the same. How are we all feeling in the Boxing Day haze? This week on The Tea Mind Podcast, we step into the soft, quiet space between Christmas and the New Year. The days where time blurs, the to-do list fades, and something deeper begins to stir.I introduce Between Years – a 12-day tea ritual rooted in Celtic traditions and global seasonal wisdom. You’ll hear the story behind the ancient Omen Days, why this pause matters, and how a simple tea practice can become a gentle way to begin again.Not a program. Not a challenge. Just a rhythm to return to.In this episode:* What makes this time of year feel strange, and why that’s useful* The deeper purpose of the 12 Omen Days* How other cultures honour this pause: Hogmanay, Rauhnächte, Kwanzaa, La Befana* A tea practice to help you let go and begin again* An invitation to join Between YearsAsk yourself: What am I ready to release so something new can take root? Let the answer come as slowly as steam rises from your cup.Live SessionsI’d love you to join me at our Opening Circle (26 Dec) and Closing Circle (6 Jan) - live online spaces to brew together, reflect, and set gentle intentions for 2026. Register now for your complimentary space (spaces are limited):Opening Circle 26 Dec 7-8pm UK time:Closing Circle 6 Jan 7-8pm UK time:Resources and Links* Join {Between Years} - the free 12 Day Tea Ritual at The Tea Mind Substack * Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new teas, like Earl of Winter.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryWhen the outside world becomes cold and still, it is easy for our inner world to do the same.In this episode, Erica explores how winter’s dominant energy, the Water Element, can leave us feeling emotionally flat, disconnected and unmotivated. Drawing from the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Five Element system, you will learn how to gently rebalance your energy by inviting in more Fire.You do not need a new room or a big life change. Just a mat, a warm cup of tea and a few small signals to remind your body that you are safe, present and alive.In this episode:* Why winter fatigue and emotional numbness are signs of Water Element imbalance* How Fire supports joy, circulation and connection* Simple ways to create a sacred tea space with energy, not perfection* How black teas like Earl of Winter can act as gentle ignition for your spirit* Six practical ways to add Fire to your daily life without burnout* A step-by-step tea routine to help you reset and reconnectWhat is one small source of Fire you could bring into your tea space this week?A red scarf. A bold mug. A candle. A tea that lifts your senses.Do not wait for the perfect moment. Start with what you have.Resources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for free weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new teas, like Earl of Winter.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryFeeling foggy, tired and pulled in too many directions?You’re not alone.In this solo episode, Erica explores how the Water Element shapes our winter experience and why we often feel emotionally off-balance this time of year.She shares how a simple tea break and a walk in the rain became the reset she didn’t know she needed. Alongside that story, you’ll learn how to use Mulled Pine tea and a three-minute ritual to reconnect with your energy and find clarity again.In this episode:* Why winter fog feels so intense* How the Water Element affects your mind, body and spirit* What imbalance looks like and how to recognise it* A personal story about overwhelm, stillness and a shift in perspective* Why clarity often comes when you stop forcing it* How to create your own winter tea ritual with Mulled PineYou don’t need to push through.You need space to pause.Clarity comes when you return to yourself.Resources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for free weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new teas, like Sea Within and seasonal delights like Mulled Pine.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this reflective winter episode, we explore how tea can be a doorway to deeper self-awareness. What begins as a simple cup becomes an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and notice who you are in the moment.Through a personal story, a sensory tea experience, and a practice rooted in the Water and Fire elements, this episode helps you shift from rushing through rituals to reclaiming presence through them.Because it’s never just about the tea. It’s about how you show up with it.In this episode:* Why tea is not the goal, but the gateway* How the Water element shows up in winter and in us* What happens when we live without enough Fire* A personal story of slowing down and rekindling connection* A simple but powerful Tea Routine you can practise this week* One question to ask as your tea steepsWe want the comfort of tea without the confrontation of presence. But the way you brew is the way you live.Resources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for free weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new teas, like Toasted Caramel Cookie.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this rich and heartfelt episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, we’re joined by Beth Rehman, Managing Director and co-founder of Perle Hotels, one of Scotland’s boutique hospitality success stories. With a background in finance, a global career that spans Moscow, Dubai and Singapore, and a deep belief in purpose-led leadership, Beth brings a fresh and thoughtful take on what it really means to lead with intention in the modern world.We explore everything from the lessons she learned during Russia’s 1998 financial crisis to how she’s embedding wellness into her hotel group – not just for guests, but for her team too. Beth shares the story behind the name “Perle,” her love for journaling, her unexpected path into hospitality, and how staying open to possibility has shaped every step of her journey.Grab your tea – perhaps Jasmine Pearls, as we both serendipitously did – and join us as we unpack business, belonging, and being human.In this episode:* The surprising journey from global finance to boutique hospitality* How Perle Hotels became a “string of pearls” and what holds them together* Embedding wellness into hotel culture (yes, there are saunas)* How journaling and imperfection shape Beth’s leadership and inner calm* How journaling and imperfection shape Beth’s leadership and inner calm* Redefining success as the art of making people feel seen, safe and at homeResources and Links* Perle Hotels* Kintsugi: The Japanese art of embracing flaws and beauty in repair* Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and Morning Pages* Beth’s favourite teacup: Catherine the Great pattern from Lomonosov porcelain* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for free weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Sea Within and classics like Jasmine Pearls.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Erica explores what it really means to do less, not as an excuse to check out but as a strategy to sharpen your focus, reclaim your energy and move forward with what truly matters.Using a simple tea blending analogy and a real story about juggling work and an unexpected trip to Peru, Erica reflects on how easy it is to slip back into reactive mode, even when you think you’ve got it all handled.This episode is a practical reminder that doing less isn’t failure.It’s a decision to focus.Because clarity often comes not from adding more, but from cutting what doesn’t serve.In this episode:* Why trying to do everything often leads to achieving nothing* The cost of the “beige blend” life and how to find your flavour again* How a simple tea routine can anchor clarity in chaotic times* A real-life story about saying no and shifting focus* A powerful question you can ask every day to stay aligned:“What do I need to say no to today to make space for what really matters?”Resources and Links* More Tea Routines and inspiration: The Tea Mind* Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown* Fewer Things Better Podcast by Kristin Graham* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to discover teas like The Balanced Mind, white tea – to support clarity and calm.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode, we explore what it really takes to stay the course - even when no one’s watching. Inspired by the remarkable story of photographer Alan McFadyen (who took 720,000 shots over 6 years to capture one perfect photo of a kingfisher mid-dive), this episode invites you to reflect on the quiet power of repetition, ritual, and the long game.We unpack what it means to become someone who returns. Someone who waits. Someone who doesn’t quit just because it’s hard or invisible or unrewarded … yet.In this episode:* (00:01:00) The kingfisher dive: a 6-year promise in one perfect photo* (00:03:20) Why we abandon habits too soon (and what it costs us)* (00:04:00) My personal story: showing up online when no one responded* (00:05:00) Inner critics, team rituals, and the power of tiny returns* (00:06:30) A Tea Routine to build your “return muscle”* (00:07:45) The question to carry with you this weekResources and Links* More Tea Routines and inspiration: The Tea Mind* Alan McFadyen’s Kingfisher Photo & short film Moment of Impact by Blair Stewart. * David Hieatt’s Micro Blog Course* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to discover teas like Toasted Caramel Cookie Black Tea– to support your focus while nourishing your spirit.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryWhat happens when we stop striving and start noticing?In this solo episode, Erica explores how everyday awe can help us feel more present, grounded and connected. You’ll hear a story about a night sky over a Scottish beach, a community gathered around a fire, and a moment where time slowed down.We’ll look at why awe matters, how it helps shift our perspective, and what happens when we feel small in a way that opens us up instead of shutting us down.This episode includes a calming three-minute Awe Tea Routine and a gentle tea suggestion to help bring wonder back into your day.Brew something warm, get comfortable, and come back to what matters.In this episode:* [01:00] What happens when we’re always chasing* [01:20] The link between awe and meaning* [02:05] A story about awe at a surf competition* [03:09] The small-self effect and why it helps* [04:00] A practical Tea Routine for everyday awe* [04:50] A seasonal tea recommendation* [05:28] Final thoughts on stillness and perspectiveResources and Links* More Tea Routines and inspiration: The Tea Mind* Listen: The Happiness Lab episode on awe with Dacher Keltner* Read: The Science of Awe summary article (ICHK School, 2025)* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Earl of Winter.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryThis week, Erica speaks with Sally Harris, founder and operations director of Groundswell Scotland, a charity using surf therapy to support women’s wellbeing. Sally is also one of the first two female directors in Scottish Surfing’s 50-year history, advocating for access, inclusion and healing through the sea.Sally brings both depth and warmth to this conversation. You’ll leave with a deeper respect for the sea, a new lens on personal power, and a few questions for your next tea break.“The sea is a mirror. It reflects everything you bring to it.” – Sally HarrisIn this episode:* How Sally went from sailing and outdoor education to pioneering surf therapy for women* What surf therapy really is, how it works, and why it matters now more than ever* Why rituals, cycles and sea immersion regulate the nervous system and restore presence* How community, ceremony and sisterhood in the water help women reclaim voice and joy* The quiet rebellion against toxic surf culture and what it means to lead from rhythm, not urgencyListen to the end for a beautiful grounding tea routine you can try this weekResources and Links* Groundswell Scotland: website* Instagram: Groundswell Scotland* Dr. Easkey Britton’s work on surfing and sea suits* Tidal Connections community sessions* Erica’s new tea blend: Sea Within – a calming infusion for post cold-water reset* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Earl of Winter.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryEver feel like life is speeding past you while you’re stuck in a lay-by, wondering if you missed the memo?In this episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, we pause for tea and unpack the habit of comparison. From a sunset in Morocco to science-backed insights on envy and self-worth, Erica explores how to shift your focus away from what others are doing and back to what matters.This isn’t about chasing contentment. It’s about learning to notice what’s already here.In this episode:* Why comparison drains joy and energy* What really happened on that picture-perfect Morocco trip* The mindset shift Dean Furness used to redefine success after paralysis* What psychology says about the real reason we compare* A practical tea routine to help you stay grounded in your own lifeResources and Links* Dean Furness TEDx Talk - “Redefining Your Personal Average”: Watch here* SELF Magazine - “3 Things to Do When You Feel Like Everyone Else Is More Successful Than You”: Read here* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for free weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Earl of Winter.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, we explore the moment when personal growth starts to feel like pressure.Erica shares how her love of self-improvement - the books, the routines, the planners - once felt expansive, but slowly became a quiet form of self-judgment. What happens when journaling, meditation, or breathwork stops feeling nourishing and starts feeling like you’re always falling short?Through personal stories and gentle reflection, this episode invites you to pause and notice what’s already working. Erica talks about joining two accountability communities and how they helped her shift from constantly fixing to simply appreciating.You’ll be guided through a short tea ritual to reconnect with your progress, not as something to chase but as something to recognise.In this episode:* Why self-improvement can feel like pressure disguised as progress* Erica’s personal shift from isolation to supported action* The cost of always trying to be better* A tea routine to help you reflect on your week with more grace* Two questions to help you get unstuck without pushing harderResources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for free weekly insights and tea-based rituals* The DO Lectures - www.thedolectures.com* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Earl of Winter.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryFor three years, my podcast microphone sat untouched on my desk. I told myself I was preparing, but in truth, I was hiding.This episode explores how perfectionism often disguises itself as productivity - the endless refining, researching and waiting for the perfect moment that never comes.Through the lens of the Metal Element of Autumn, you will learn how to move from control to flow, from over-polishing to quiet progress. I share the story of how The Tea Mind began and how one imperfect recording changed everything.Together, we brew a cup of Oolong tea and practise a short Tea Routine for Courage to help you take one small, real step forward before you feel ready.Perfection keeps you waiting. Action helps you grow.In this episode:* How the Metal Element of Autumn can shift from rigidity to refinement.* Why high standards can quietly turn into self-protection.* How to find courage through movement rather than mastery.* A simple three-minute Tea Routine for Courage using Yellow Gold Oolong or Orange Oolong Supreme to balance structure with surrender.“The leaves can’t open until they meet the hot water. You can’t grow until you begin.”Resources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover seasonal teas, like Yellow Gold Oolong.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Heads-up: This episode contains a little strong language. Because sometimes, only a swear word will do.Episode SummaryWhat if you’re not stuck, you’re just thinking in a way that keeps you stuck?In this honest and energising conversation, I sit down with Rebecca Bonnington, CEO and Founder of Tricres, to explore how we can shift our thinking, lead with clarity and create change that sticks.Rebecca isn’t just a leadership coach. She trains the coaches who train the leaders. Her background spans decades in business, leadership, NLP and personal transformation. And she’s not afraid to say what others won’t.You’ll learn:* How NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) can help you shift out of stuck patterns* Why many of your beliefs may not even be yours* The truth about burnout and business ego* How to lead yourself when everything feels uncertain* A 3-minute mental reset you can use while your tea brewsWe also talk about healing, motherhood, divorce and resilience. This one’s not just about leadership. It’s about life.“You’re the thinker of your own thoughts. And that means you get to decide what lives in your head.” – Rebecca BonningtonTea Mind PromptWhile your tea brews, try this:* Place your tongue just behind the roof of your mouth* Breathe slowly and intentionally* Let your mind go quiet, even for a few secondsThis NLP-inspired pause helps quiet your nervous system and brings you into the present moment.Mentioned in this Episode* Tricres – Kick Ass Culture Coaching: tricres.com* Rebecca’s book: How to Outshine the Rest and The Best Selling Coach* Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari* Deepak Chopra’s Abundance: The Inner Path To WealthResources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Pumpkin Chai.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode, we’re talking about stress. Not as background noise, but as a real signal that something needs your attention.I share my own story of pushing through the demands of work, parenting, and building a business, while ignoring the signs my body was giving me. Until one day, it didn’t let me ignore them anymore.We explore what happens when stress is left unchecked, how it often shows up quietly, and why intentional pauses can be a powerful tool for rebalancing your nervous system.In this episode:* How chronic stress builds silently and shows up in the body* The signs you might be ignoring* Why stillness is not laziness but strategy* A practical tea routine to help you reset in just three minutesTry ThisYou don’t need a retreat. Just a quiet moment, a cup of tea, and one grounding question:Where can I give myself permission to soften today?Resources Mentioned* Health in Mind: Understanding Stress* My current tea: Ginger Gut Balance - discover your favourite: Tea QuizResources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Pumpkin Chai.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Summary:If you’ve been feeling stuck, flat, or burned out, this episode invites you to pause, put the kettle on, and rediscover the quiet power of curiosity.We explore why your best ideas often arrive not when you are pushing harder, but when you finally stop to listen. Erica shares the story behind the Tea Mind system, the subtle ways we trade creativity for conformity, and how a simple tea break can help you reconnect with your spark.This episode also introduces a new Tea Routine called The Curiosity Cup, designed to help you reconnect with your inner voice and let your imagination breathe.What You’ll Learn:* How burnout can look like high performance* Why society rewards conformity over creativity* The difference between surface-level curiosity and deep inner wondering* What happens when you stop filtering your ideas* A practical tea-based reflection practice to revive your creativityTea Routine of the Week:The Curiosity CupA four-step tea ritual to help you:* Try a tea you have never had before* Ask yourself, "What am I curious about right now?" while the kettle boils* Reflect on three simple prompts while your tea steeps:* What if I am wrong about something big?* What is a project I secretly want to start?* What am I not saying out loud?* Sip your tea slowly and allow whatever thoughts arise to surprise youThis is not about productivity. It is about presence. No outcomes, no measuring, just space to wonder.Reflection Prompt:What is one idea you have not told anyone because it feels too weird, too unfinished, or too uncertain?That might be the idea to sit with this week.Resources and Links* Subscribe to The Tea Mind Substack for weekly insights and tea-based rituals* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, like Pumpkin Chai.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Summary:“To trust the process, you often have to grieve the illusion of control.”In this solo episode, we explore trust not as a passive hope, but as an active practice of letting go. Aligned with the Metal Element and the season of Autumn, this conversation invites you to pause, exhale, and reflect.You’ll be guided through breathwork, a personal story about surrendering control, and a simple but powerful tea routine designed to help you cultivate trust. If you’re in a season of transition or feeling the tension of trying to force outcomes, this is your invitation to soften.Let your tea be a teacher. Let the season guide you. And let this be the moment you begin to trust again.What We Cover in This Episode:* Why the Metal Element and Autumn invite us to refine and release* A personal story about moving house and learning to trust the timing of life* Insights from Alan Watts on insecurity and surrender* How grief and gratitude both relate to the Metal Element* A full breakdown of the Trust Cup Tea Routine* A powerful closing reflection question to help you reconnect with trustThis Week’s Tea Routine:The Trust CupThis calming ritual includes four steps: mindful brewing, conscious breathing, gratitude journaling, and present-moment sipping. It’s a small daily practice that can lead to big internal shifts.Recommended tea: Coconut & Turmeric Chai, perfect for the grounding energy of Autumn.Resources Mentioned:* The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts* The Anatomy of Trust by Brené Brown* The Tea Mind system and the role of Metal in Autumn* Tea Mind’s Trust Cup Routine (explained fully inside the episode)Your Reflection Prompt:What would it look like to trust yourself just for today?Ask yourself:What is one action I can take?What is one outcome I can choose to release?Use your pause for tea to reflect on the answers.Let’s Stay ConnectedDM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram. I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryWhat do you do when fear floods in and the world wants answers now?In this episode, I share how a simple and intentional tea break, which I call my "Courage Cup," helps me pause, reset, and move through fear with calm and clarity rather than overwhelm.Fear often appears just as you are about to do something meaningful. It does not knock politely. It barges in. Most of us are taught to power through. But what if the bravest thing you could do was pause?In This Episode* Why fear often appears just before you take a meaningful step* The cost of powering through fear without pausing* How the P.A.U.S.E. Tea Routine works* What the latest neuroscience says about meditation and the fear response* Why presence is not about eliminating fear but choosing how you meet itQuestions to Reflect On* What does your courage cup look like?* What tea helps you move through fear?* What fear are you ready to sit with today?Resources and Links* Download the Courage Cup Routine* Read the meditation and fear study from PNAS (February 2025)* Learn more about Jasmine Pearls* If your fear feels deeper - panic attacks, chronic anxiety you deserve support. Check out this guide from The Mental Health Foundation: How to manage your fear and anxietyFinal ThoughtBravery is not always loud. Sometimes, it looks like making a cup of tea.Pop the kettle on. Trust your tea mind. Take one small step forward, even if fear is walking beside you.Let’s Stay ConnectedDM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram. I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea.Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

What if your next breakthrough came not from a boardroom…but from a bucket of cold seawater and the quiet hiss of steam rising from sauna rocks?In this week’s episode, I sit down with Kirsty Carver, wild wellness pioneer and founder of Soul Water Sauna, whose work blends heat, heritage and healing in magical ways. Kirsty’s story is full of unexpected pivots - from artist and hairdresser to mother of three and community builder.But at its heart, it’s about reclaiming ritual, redefining connection, and remembering how to feel again.In This Episode:You’ll discover:* How Kirsty’s Iceland detour lit the spark for her sauna story* Why sauna is a sensory ritual, not just a place to sweat* The ancestral wisdom behind whisking, heat and herbal tools* Why she always carries secateurs and string (!)* The profound crossover between tea meditation and sauna ritual* What’s next for Scottish sauna culture (hint: it involves a festival!)Sauna as Ritual, Not RoutineKirsty reveals a world of sauna rituals beyond the obvious:* The Aufguss: a German towel ritual blending scent, steam and choreography* The Whisks: bundles of birch or lime used to manipulate steam, exfoliate skin, and calm the mind* The Sound Bath: where crystal bowls and intention meet heat for a deeper inner stillness* The Scented Salts: infused with essential oils and rubbed gently into skin as aromatic medicineBut here’s what struck me most:“The ritual is listening… to the steam, the scent, the sound. It’s less about what you add, and more about what you notice.”Just like making a cup of tea.Just like living with presence.What’s Next for Kirsty?The Fringe: This summer, Soul Water Sauna became the first ever sauna to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe, introducing wood-fired ritual to curious passers-by.The Festival: In October, Kirsty is hosting a Wellness Gathering in Granton, bringing together sauna guides, yoga teachers, breathworkers, sound healers and even a new tea created by me and eteaket especially for the event.The Vision: To co-create a uniquely Scottish sauna culture, rooted in local community but inspired by traditions from Finland to Lithuania. One that invites folk songs, forest stories, sea swims - and cups of tea - into the heat.What You’ll Walk Away With:* A deep appreciation for why ancient rituals still matter in modern life* Ideas for reconnecting with nature, even in the middle of a city* A new way to think about presence, embodiment and sensory mindfulness* Permission to slow down, do less, and feel moreMini Practice You Can Try Today:Kirsty’s Tip for Your Tea Routine:“If you can, go outside. Put your feet on the grass. Open a window. Breathe in the air. Let nature remind you there’s something bigger than the to-do list.”Let that be your Tea Mind moment today.Links & Resources:* Visit Soul Water Sauna* Follow Kirsty on Instagram: @soulwatersauna* Explore the Tea Routine PDF to start your own 3-minute ritual* Learn more about the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Report mentioned* Try making your own sauna whisk… Let’s Stay ConnectedMake sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we slow things down. On purpose.I share a personal story that made me rethink how I was spending my time - a moment in a ball pit at soft play that showed me the true cost of distraction. It was the first time I truly saw what I was trading for my divided attention.We’ll explore how tea became more than just a drink for me. It became a pause. A reset. A meditation. I’ll guide you through the exact Tea Routine that helps me stay present, calm my nervous system, and reconnect with what really matters.You can’t get time back. But you can learn to pay better attention, one cup at a time.In This Episode* The soft play moment that changed how I see time* How my second child helped shift my relationship with presence* The surprising emotional impact of pairing tea with meditation* How I unhooked from my phone and reclaimed my focus* The breathing tool I teach everyone to regulate stress* How tea became my anchor for clarity, creativity and calm* What really happened on our five-week family road trip* A practical, step-by-step guide to the Attention Tea RoutineThe Attention Tea Routine* Boil the kettle. While it heats, do a physiological sigh (two short breaths in, one long breath out).* Choose your tea intentionally.* Overwhelmed? Try green or mint.* Low mood? Go for oolong or chai.* Feeling anxious? Choose chamomile or rooibos.* Watch the tea leaves unfurl. Let this be your moment to recalibrate.* Sip slowly. Let the warmth ground you in the moment.* Ask yourself:* Am I trading this day for something that matters?* Where am I holding tension?* What do I need?A Question to Carry With YouAm I spending this day the way I want to remember it?Resources Mentioned* The Psychological Sigh breathing technique* Choosing nourishing inputs instead of scrolling: Substack, podcasts, or silence* My personal experience with summer presence and letting go of optimisationLet’s Stay ConnectedTake the Perfect Tea Quiz – discover a tea that supports your current season of life.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

What if your life wasn’t something you inherited... but something you could choose?In this powerful solo episode, I share a personal story about a wake-up moment - yes, literally in the bath - that forced me to confront the quiet truth: I was drifting through life. Successful on paper. Unfulfilled in reality.That morning changed everything.You’ll hear how I went from lawyer to tea entrepreneur, not through a grand life plan, but through a series of small, intentional choices. The biggest one? Learning to pause. Long enough to listen in.In this episode, we explore:* Why most regrets come from inaction, not failure* The danger of living a life that’s “fine, but not fulfilling”* My own moment of clarity and the leap that followed* How the Tea Mind system helps you tune in and choose again* What behavioural science says about the power of daily pause* Why age, timing, and permission are not barriers to change* Real stories of quiet reinvention, from my community and beyondThis episode is for you if…* You feel like you're drifting, ticking boxes, but wondering: “Is this it?”* You’ve got a quiet voice inside that’s getting harder to ignore* You think it’s too late, too risky, or too indulgent to change course* You’re craving clarity, but don’t know where to startTry This: A Tea Mind PauseDuring your next tea break:* Breathe while the kettle boils.* Notice any tension in your body.* Ask: Where am I drifting? What does choosing look like today?* Write down one small intentional act you’ll take before the day ends.* Sip your tea slowly. Let the warmth ground you in what matters.Mentioned in this episode* The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware* Research from Cornell University on regret and inaction* Stories of late bloomers like Vera Wang, Martha Stewart & Colonel SandersFinal PromptWhat part of your life are you still outsourcing to other people’s expectations?And what’s one small way you could take it back this week?Let’s Stay Connected* Make sure you’re subscribed to The Tea Mind for more episodes and the Thrive in 3 newsletter – your Sunday nudge to pause, reflect and grow. Totally free.* Take the Perfect Tea Quiz – discover a tea that supports your current season of life.* Know someone living on autopilot? Share this episode – it might be the spark they need.Pause is powerful. Small changes matter.You don’t need to leap. You just need to listen.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, we explore the part of the journey that gets no applause and rarely gets mentioned: the messy middle.This is the point where passion fades, progress stalls and self-doubt starts shouting. Where you quietly wonder if quitting might be easier. But what if this phase isn’t the problem? What if it's the point?Through personal reflection, grounded storytelling and a soul-strengthening Tea Routine, this episode offers a gentle reminder: the middle isn’t where you fall apart. It’s where you come together.Recommended Tea:An oolong like Yellow Gold or Orange Oolong Supreme. Rooted in the earth element, it’s perfect for grounding you when your path feels unsteady.In this episode, you'll discover:* Why every meaningful journey gets hard in the middle* The role of slow, silent progress in real growth* A Tea Routine that helps you return to your centre* A reframing of struggle as strength trainingTea Routine: The Messy Middle PauseWhile your tea brews:* Name the messy middle you’re in right now* Write down three things that feel difficult or unclear* Remind yourself of one reason why you beganLet the tea steep. Let your feelings sit. Trust the discomfort. This is the work that makes you.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

What does it take to build a business that feels like a hug, and keep it thriving through chaos, change and growth?In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with Ashley Harley, Chief Operating Officer of Mimi’s Bakehouse, the iconic Edinburgh café that began with a dream, a lot of courage, and the sale of a family home.Ashley joined the business in 2013, stepping into a legacy baked by her mum, Michelle Phillips. Since then, she has helped scale it into one of Scotland’s most beloved brands. From winning Scottish Baker of the Year to leading a thriving online cake business, Ashley shares what it really takes to blend tradition with innovation, and family with leadership, while staying grounded in the process.We talk about:* The truth about running a family business and what people don’t see* What it means to lead with love when the pressure is on* How Mimi’s creates a “hug in the door” and why that still matters* Burnout, boundaries and the rituals that keep Ashley steady* What she hopes her future granddaughter feels when she walks into Mimi’sKey Takeaway:Whether you are building something of your own, navigating legacy, or simply trying to stay connected to what matters, this conversation will invite you to reflect, reset and realign with what is possible.Pop the kettle on and join us for a story about courage, connection and cake.p.s. Shortly after our conversation, Michelle Phillips (Mimi’s) only went on won the the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Diasbled Entrepreneur Awards. When she started Mimi’s Bakehouse 15 years ago, she was diagnosed soon after with MS (a condition the affects your physical and mental health). What an incredibly well-deserved achievement.Resources & Links:* Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashleynatashap and LinkedIn: Ashley Harley* Visit Mimi’s Bakehouse: mimisbakehouse.com* We discussed the fabulous EGG Business Club and the inspiring Leith Collective.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, we explore the subtle yet powerful idea of intentionality. That is, doing things on purpose rather than drifting through the day on autopilot.If your days feel rushed, disconnected, or like you’re ticking off tasks without really feeling present, this episode is a gentle nudge back into awareness.Erica shares how a three-minute tea pause can become a daily ritual that brings clarity, calm and focus. She offers her own personal example of committing to more visibility on LinkedIn and the tactile trick she uses to stay accountable.Most importantly, she invites you to check in with your body, to sit with discomfort, and to allow space for your true intentions to emerge.In this episode, you'll discover:* Why getting clear on your intention is only the first step* How a cup of tea can anchor your awareness and reset your day* Why planning often disguises itself as progress* A simple desk-based trick using coins to stay consistent with your goals* How to tune into your body to uncover deeper truths and guidance* How sharing your intention can shift not just your mindset, but your relationships tooTea Routine Takeaway:If you could do just one thing today with extraordinary care, what would it be?Start there. Let that small act guide you.Resources & Links:* David Hieatt’s Micro Blogs: DO Lectures * Learn more about The Tea Mind System: SubstackWays to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

In this soul-refreshing solo episode, Erica invites us to reconnect with one of the most underrated and powerful tools for wellbeing: play. Not play for productivity. Not play to impress. But the kind of spontaneous, joyful, unapologetic fun that reminds us what it means to feel alive.She shares two vivid personal stories, from racing down a sunlit hill on the Isle of Wight to turning a petrol station mishap into an unforgettable family night filled with trolley races and bargain flowers. These stories serve as gentle reminders that some of the most joyful moments in life are unplanned and unpolished.You’ll also be guided through a simple Tea Routine designed to reintroduce playfulness into your daily ritual. This episode is your permission slip to let go, laugh more, move freely, and rediscover what lights you up, no justification required.In this episode, you'll discover:* Why adults often forget how to play* How play impacts burnout, creativity and connection* A personal story that sparked Erica’s belief in joyful spontaneity* A light-hearted Tea Routine to bring more play into your day* A powerful mindset shift: play as presence, not performanceTea Routine Mentioned:While the kettle boils, put on a song that makes you want to move. Let your body sway or bounce. As your tea brews, breathe in the aroma and ask, “What would feel playful today?” Sip slowly. Let your thoughts drift into possibility.Resources & Links:* Sign up to our free newsletters:→ The Tea Mind – weekly Tea Routines for reflection and joy→ eteaket – tea blends and recipes for seasonal inspirationJoin the Conversation:What does play look like for you this week? When did you last feel that lightness? Share your story in the comments or tag us on socials. Talking about joy helps create more of it.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

When was the last time you truly paused?Not a scroll break. Not a flick through your to-do list.A real pause.One where your shoulders drop, your breath slows and you are fully present.In this episode, Erica explores why we confuse distraction with rest and how a simple tea ritual can bring you back to yourself.You’ll learn how to create a short pause that calms your nervous system and resets your focus using your kettle and your breath.This isn't about more time. It's about deeper moments. Presence is possible in three minutes.What You'll Learn* Why we confuse stimulation with rest* The cost of staying in go-mode* A simple Tea Pause ritual for calm and clarity* The science behind box breathing and L-theanine in tea* How small moments shift how you show up in lifeMentioned in This Episode* The Tea Mind Practice* Box Breathing Technique (4-4-4-4)Try ThisPause with your tea. Just three minutes.No screens. No multitasking.Let your breath and a warm mug bring you back.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

If your brain feels like it has 47 open tabs and they’re all playing different music - this one’s for you.In this episode, we dive into the mental chaos that comes from carrying too much in our heads. From forgotten to-do lists to emotional voicemail replays from years ago, we explore how overwhelm isn’t caused by having too much to do, but by trying to hold it all.You’ll learn about the power of a 3-minute Tea Mind Clear-Out - a simple brain-dump practice paired with the calming ritual of making tea. You don’t need more time. You need more space. And that starts here.What We Cover:* Why your brain is not a storage unit (and never was)* How mental clutter drains your energy, focus, and calm* A simple Tea Routine to offload overwhelm in 3 minutes* The surprising science behind "cognitive offloading"* The difference between presence and productivity* Three powerful journal prompts to deepen your clarityJournal Prompts to Try:* What thoughts or emotions need to be released today to make space for something better?* What’s occupying your mental space that hasn’t earned the right to be there?* Of everything swirling around, what’s one small, kind step you can take next?Your Tea Mind Clear-Out Routine:* Put the kettle on.* Grab pen and paper (scrap is fine).* Set a timer for 3 minutes.* Write down everything in your head - unfiltered, unedited, unjudged.* Burn it, bin it, or just let it go.By the time your tea’s brewed, your mind will be lighter.Resources:* “The Organized Mind” by Daniel J. Levitin – Explores how externalising information helps our brain function better.* Mel Robbins Podcast: Make Decisions without Overthinking clip Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we talk with Renée Turner, founder of Renée Turner Interiors in Edinburgh and the Lothians. After 15 years in the corporate world, Renée shifted careers to follow her passion for interior design. Today, she helps clients create spaces that reflect who they truly are.What we cover:* The career pivot: How Renée applied her corporate skills to build a successful design business* Designing with values: Why true style starts with self-awareness* Small changes, big shifts: The emotional impact of colour, layout and light* Clearing space, clearing mind: The connection between clutter and clarity* Mindful design: How intention shapes both our environment and our wellbeing* Staying inspired: How Renée moves through creative blocks and stress* Accessible tips: Simple, budget-friendly ways to refresh your homeDiscover Renee:* Website: Renee Turner Interiors* LinkedIn: Renee Turner* Instagram: @ReneeTurnerInteriors * We discussed Your Organised Space.Ways to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

We give kindness to others without thinking.But when it comes to ourselves? The words often stick.In today’s solo episode, Erica invites you to pause with a cup of tea and reflect on a deceptively simple question: When was the last time you told yourself you were proud of you?Not for what you’ve done.But for who you are.This episode explores how to soften your inner voice, build emotional resilience through self-kindness, and start a powerful monthly Tea Routine - writing a love letter to yourself.It might feel awkward.But it's quietly transformational.What You’ll Hear In This Episode:* Why we’re so good at encouraging others and so harsh on ourselves* The real cost of normalising self-criticism* Erica’s personal journey with writing self-love letters* A simple but powerful Tea Routine to reconnect with your worth* How to start your own “Kindness Archive”* A story from a day rave that sparked a shift in self-talk* The science behind self-compassion and how it rewires your brain* Why Brené Brown’s work on worthiness is a must-readThis Week’s Tea Routine: While your tea brews, take three minutes to write yourself a love letter.Start with:“Dear me, I’m proud of you because…”Write without editing. Save it. Re-read it when your inner critic gets loud.Even once a month, this tiny act can shift something inside you.Resources Mentioned:* The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown* Read more on Psychology TodayWays to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

What if your phone isn’t just a tool but a tether? In this episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, Erica explores the invisible cost of constant connectivity. From the first scroll in the morning to the last swipe at night, our attention is being drained, along with our peace of mind. This episode is an invitation to pause, to unplug, and to reconnect with what really matters.What You’ll Learn• Why attention is your most precious life asset• The emotional and mental cost of constant connection• How digital distraction fuels anxiety, burnout and disconnection• The science behind short, screen-free breaks• How a simple tea routine can restore clarity, calm and presenceTea Routine ChallengeThis week, try a simple three-minute Tea Pause.Step away from your phone. Brew your tea.Sit quietly and ask yourself:What am I feeling?What do I need right now?Write down three specific things you’re grateful for from the past 24 hours.Repeat daily. Notice what shifts.Tea Truth from the EpisodeYou don’t need to be available to everyone all the time. But you do need to be available to yourself some of the time.Key InsightOur devices offer connection. But too often they disconnect us from our own lives. When you reclaim your attention, you start to reclaim your joy, your presence, and your peace of mind.Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.– Melody BeattieLinks & Resources* Impacts of digital social media detox for mental health: National Library of Medicine* How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, Dr Alok Kanojia - tonnes of useful lessons and tools for everyone* Follow The Tea Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon MusicWays to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

In this solo episode, Erica explores something quietly slipping away from our modern lives: meaningful conversation.What This Episode Covers:* Why real connection is disappearing in a world full of emojis and voice notes.* Two top regrets of the dying and what they tell us about relationships.* The surprising science behind short conversations and why 8 minutes is all you need.* How to turn your tea break into a powerful moment of reconnection.* Erica’s own story of picking up the phone and why it mattered more than she realised.Key Takeaways:* “I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends” is one of the top 5 regrets of the dying.* Honest conversations elevate relationships - even if they’re hard.* The 8-minute catch-up call is a powerful Tea Routine: short enough to commit to, long enough to matter.* Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’ … use your tea break to reach out today.* Science shows that even hearing someone’s voice builds emotional bonds far more than texting ever could.Tea Routine of the Week:The 8-Minute Catch-Up CallWhile your tea is brewing, call someone you’ve been meaning to call, even if it’s just to say "I've been thinking about you." Let go of the pressure to have a ‘perfect’ chat. Just connect.“These small acts are not small. They are really, really important.”Mentioned in This Episode:* Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware* The Good Life by Dr. Robert Waldinger* Insights from Simon Sinek on meaningful connectionReflective Prompt:When you’re sipping your tea today, ask yourself:Who could I call, not someday, but today, to reconnect with what truly matters?Links & Resources* Bronnie Ware’s Book: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying* Dr. Robert Waldinger’s Book: The Good Life* Psychology Today aticle: Friendships…* Simon Sinek: 8 Min Catch-up* Follow The Tea Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon MusicWays to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe

What does it take to build something meaningful when the winds of change won’t stop blowing?This week’s guest, Simon Erlanger, has done it, not with slogans, but with stillness.Simon is the Managing Director of Isle of Harris Distillers, a purpose-driven spirits business on the edge of Scotland. Under his guidance, Harris Gin and now the Hearach Whisky have grown into more than drinks. They’re cultural icons, symbols of resilience, belonging, and regeneration.This conversation was recorded before the recent restructuring announcement, a result of current industry and economic challenges. It’s clear they remain steadfast in ensuring the distillery’s founding vision succeeds. It has also been heart-warming to see the love from their supporters - that speaks volumes.From Spirit to SoulIn this inspiring conversation, we explore:* How a whisky distillery became a force for community regeneration on the Isle of Harris.* Why values like patience, adaptability, and integrity aren’t soft skills, but core business strategies.* The unexpected power of stillness in leadership.* How the Harris culture of “belonging and resilience” is woven into every bottle and every decision.“We created the distillery to be for, with, and from Harris. We don’t just make spirits. We nurture belonging.” – Simon ErlangerPersonal ThreadsThis episode also carries personal meaning. Erica’s family roots are in Harris, and it was over a shared glass of Harris Gin at Christmas that the idea for eteaket’s Isle of Harris Gin Tea was born - with Simon’s full support.Tea Mind TakeawaySimon shares his own tea routine: a daily 3-minute tea break in the garden with a pot of eteaket tea. He also shares a mindfulness practice you can try while your tea brews:“Place your feet on the ground. Recall a proud moment. Anchor into it. Let that be your reset.”This small act of grounding, practiced daily, becomes a quiet strength. Like a willow, it bends but does not break.What You’ll Learn* Why slow brands win in fast markets.* The art of leading from values (and the courage it takes).* How to build emotional resonance into your work.* What “life takes time” really looks like inside an inspiring business.Why This Matters Now* Because the mission is the same, even during challenging times.* Because resilience doesn’t mean avoiding hardship.* Because you can build from love, even in loss.* And because sometimes the hardest season is where your values prove themselves.Episode Highlights* (02:00) Simon’s 40-year journey in the whisky world - from Johnny Walker to Glenmorangie to Harris.* (06:30) The romantic yet radical idea behind founding Isle of Harris Distillers.* (08:45) What makes the people of Harris unique and why that matters for business.* (13:00) How storytelling replaced marketing at Harris.* (24:00) Simon’s personal Tea Mind tea routine - and how it boosts clarity.* (40:00) Training the next generation of islanders: apprenticeships that change lives.* (48:00) The value of transparency, even when navigating difficult decisions.Episode Tea Routine: “Grounding Like a Willow”While your tea brews, try this:* Place both feet on the ground.* Close your eyes and recall one moment you're proud of.* Breathe deeply. Let your body feel that memory.* Visualise yourself like a willow tree: rooted, but flexible.A beautiful way to reset your energy before the next part of your day.Resources:Simon’s Links:Website: https://harrisdistillery.com/Instagram: @simonerlanger and @isleofharrisdistillersLinkedIn: Simon ErlangerWays to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe