Person pouring hot water into a white bowl with tea leaves inside, on a wooden tray, with a jar in the foreground and a glass to the side.

Meditation & Tea

Wednesdays 9 - 10 am

Have you been feeling called to bring mindfulness into your life but are not sure where to start? Join Brad Lebowitz for a morning of meditation and gong fu-style tea.

After the group meditation, Brad will serve tea in the gong fu style and, if you wish, you will be welcome to share your experience.

Brad has been a tea enthusiast and educator since 1999, when he discovered and began working at Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley, CA. He shares Far Leaves’ philosophy of using the practice of tea to help slow down, pay attention, and savor life.

During his time practicing Zen and Taoist meditation with a Korean Zen master in the early 1990s, Brad learned of the deep historical connection between tea and the meditative arts. Even after all these years immersed in the craft tea world, Brad remains as passionate as ever about this wonderful beverage and its culture.

We kindly ask participants to reserve their spots ahead of time, as only 7 spots are available. We will provide zafus and meditation chairs with back support, but you are welcome to bring your own cushion or blankets if you like.

BOOK NOW

“The weekly meditation and tea ceremony with Ozben and Brad has become my sanctuary and refuge from the busyness of the world. I highly recommend this experience as a way to slow down, be present, and connect with oneself and others. Plus, I have learned an incredible amount about the art of tea making in China and Taiwan!”

— Ramona

Why Meditation and Tea?

We are deeply committed to supporting holistic health and healing for our community. We believe that true wellness encompasses the mind, body, and spirit, and that cultivating a mindful lifestyle is key to achieving balance and vitality. By offering Meditation and Tea classes, we aim to provide a peaceful space for individuals to connect with themselves and find inner calm.

The practice of meditation, combined with the ceremonial style of tea, facilitates relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional clarity, offering powerful benefits for overall well-being. It’s our way of nurturing our community’s health in a gentle, holistic way.

  • Meditation and ceremonial-style tea both offer powerful benefits for mental, physical, and emotional well-being. When combined, they create a deeply calming and mindful experience that supports holistic health. Here are some key benefits of each:

    Benefits of Meditation:

    • Stress Reduction: Meditation promotes relaxation and helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety. It allows the mind to quiet, creating a sense of peace and calm.

    • Improved Mental Clarity: Regular meditation can improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity, enhancing cognitive function and decision-making.

    • Emotional Balance: Meditation fosters emotional regulation, helping you manage difficult emotions, reduce negative thinking, and cultivate a positive outlook.

    • Enhanced Self-Awareness: Through mindfulness, meditation encourages greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, promoting self-reflection and personal growth.

    • Better Sleep: By calming the mind and reducing stress, meditation can improve sleep quality and help with insomnia.

    • Physical Health Benefits: Meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and improve heart health by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

    • Relaxation and Calming Effect: The process of preparing and drinking ceremonial tea is slow and intentional, creating a meditative experience that encourages mindfulness and relaxation.

    • Improved Digestion: Teas can aid digestion, soothe the stomach, and promote gut health.

    • Rich in Antioxidants: Many ceremonial teas, especially green tea, are packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage and support overall health.

    • Mental Clarity and Focus: The caffeine in ceremonial teas provides a more sustained and gentle energy boost than coffee, enhancing focus and concentration without the jitters.

    • Nourishment for the Body and Spirit: Drinking tea in a ceremonial style encourages presence and appreciation for the moment, fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection to the practice of self-care.