Tea in the Time of Turbulence
A Ritual for Chaos
Storms have always fascinated me - the intensity, the unpredictability, and the reminder of who’s really in control. As a child, they felt like adventures: canoeing down flooded streets in Illinois, marveling at the eerie calm of a hurricane’s eye in New York, or cozying up during soft, quiet blizzards with rich hot cocoa. In those moments, storms were a chance to explore, to find wonder and beauty in the many moods of the natural world.
But as I grew older, my perception of storms began to shift. My first real hurricane, Andrew, struck in 1992 during my freshman year at Loyola in New Orleans. It wasn’t an adventure; it was a wake-up call. We sheltered in dorm hallways, away from glass windows as the wind roared. Later storms in New Orleans and Miami flooded my car and my home. Though we evacuated to Charlotte from Miami during Hurricane Irma, her mighty winds tossed my dad’s sailboat out of safe harbor, carrying it miles inland where it landed in a tree. These weren’t childhood adventures anymore, they were the harsh realities of the raw, destructive power of nature.
Most recently, my trip to Vietnam was shaped by Typhoon Yagi, a vivid reminder that these storms aren’t just passing events; they leave their mark, physically and emotionally. It’s a truth that’s stayed with me these past few weeks, reshaping the way I think about and prepare for these displays of nature’s might.
In Miami, hurricane season is a constant hum in the background from June through November. As we prepare for our brush with this beast named Milton, I turn to tea as my light through the storm. Preparing my home and the studio for the rain and winds, I also prepare my tea essentials: a gas stove, stovetop kettle, spring water, and my favorite teas. In the midst of nature’s fury, tea offers a sense of warmth and grounding - the perfect ritual to calm amid the chaos.
Because while Mother Nature can be wrathful, she is also generous. It’s through her that we have the beauty and truth of tea and a reminder of resilience, growth, and balance.
As this storm approaches, consider adding tea to your preparation list. Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a moment of stillness, a shelter within, offering peace in the heart of the storm. Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a moment of stillness, a shelter within, offering peace in the heart of the storm.
Stay safe y’all.
Calm Amidst Chaos | A Tea Meditation
Find a quiet space, and prepare a cup of your favorite grounding tea. As you begin, let the act of steeping tea become your anchor, a way to bring you into the present moment.
Breathe Deeply
Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs slowly. Hold for a moment, then exhale gently. Repeat this three times, allowing your body to relax with each breath. Imagine the storm outside slowly quieting as you find your center.Engage with the Senses
As your tea steeps, focus on the warmth of the cup in your hands. Notice the steam rising, the aroma unfolding. Let the scent of the tea pull you further into the present moment, inviting you to observe the details: the color of the liquid, the way it shimmers in the light.Set an Intention
Before you take your first sip, set a simple intention. It could be “calm,” “resilience,” or “peace.” Let this word become your focus. With each sip, feel the warmth of the tea moving through you, spreading calm and grounding energy.Visualize Shelter
Imagine yourself standing in the center of a storm, but with each sip, you create a protective circle around you. The winds may rage, but within your circle, there is stillness, warmth, and balance. You are sheltered, steady, and safe.Close with Gratitude
When you finish your tea, take a moment to thank yourself for this pause. Acknowledge the power of simple rituals to bring peace, even in chaotic times. Carry this sense of grounding with you as you move forward.
Storm Prep Tea Essential List
Portable Gas Stove & Stovetop Kettle
A reliable way to boil water is crucial if the power goes out. A small, portable gas stove paired with a sturdy stovetop kettle ensures you can maintain your tea ritual even when the storm disrupts electricity. This setup allows you to heat water efficiently and safely, keeping your routine intact.Spring Water
Clean, fresh water is essential for steeping tea properly, especially during storms. Keeping a supply of bottled spring water on hand ensures you have access to the right quality of water when tap options may be compromised. This preserves the integrity and taste of your tea while also providing a reliable hydration source.Thermos or Insulated Flasks
To keep your water warm and ready for tea-making, a good thermos or insulated flask is indispensable. Boil a batch of water and store it in these flasks to ensure you have hot water available at a moment’s notice, providing comfort and warmth whenever needed, regardless of the external conditions.Airtight Tea Tins
Proper storage is key, especially when humidity spikes during a storm. Airtight tea tins protect your teas from moisture and keep them fresh, preserving their flavor and aroma. Storing your teas properly also ensures you have a comforting selection ready to steep when the winds begin to howl.
Explore our curated collection of teas perfect for storm preparation - stay grounded and safe this hurricane season.
Bo Hojicha A roasted green tea with a rich, toasty profile that exudes warmth and comfort. Its mellow, nutty undertones make it an ideal choice for cooler or stormy weather, providing a cozy atmosphere and a grounding experience when the elements are harsh.
White Cloud Tea Cakes Sourced from the Wuyi Mountains, this delicately pressed white tea offers soft, floral aromas and a gentle sweetness. Its compressed form is convenient for storage and travel, and it steeps into a golden, soothing cup—perfect for moments when tranquility is needed.
Wild Lapsang Souchong Unlike its traditional smoky counterpart, this unsmoked version comes from the protected Tongmu Village in the Wuyishan Nature Reserve. It presents a naturally sweet and floral profile, with bright notes of honey, lychee, and peach, making it an excellent choice for grounding and centering yourself during a storm.
Autumn Cloud Hong Cha This bold black tea is characterized by its malty and honeyed undertones, providing a warm, robust experience. Its depth and richness make it an ideal companion when you need both alertness and comfort during unpredictable weather.
Cinnamon Rock Tea (Rou Gui Yan Cha) An oolong tea from the Zhengyan area of Wuyishan, known for its sultry cinnamon aroma and ripe fruit flavors. The medium charcoal roasting process enhances its natural sweetness, resulting in a silky and fragrant tea. Perfect for long gongfu sessions or for pairing with rich, hearty meals during a stormy day.
Wild Yunnan Rose These fragrant flowers from Yunnan are an essential component for creating a soothing and aromatic experience. With its luxurious floral notes, it’s an excellent choice for restoring balance and tranquility when the world outside feels chaotic.
KickAssam Sparkling Tea A refreshing, effervescent blend crafted from our best selling proprietary blend. This ready-to-drink option provides hydration and an energy boost—ideal for a quick, revitalizing sip before or after a storm.
