lifestyle – Tea Journey

Katherine Bellman

Urban Oasis: Lole White at Fort York Toronto 2015

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to connect with nature, find balance and peace. Past posts from the series can be found here.

The second last Saturday of August was Toronto’s chance to have the Lole White event. If you have never been to this event before, it is a yoga event which is dedicated to peace. Thousands of yogis (depending on venue size of course) get together for a yoga session together with that single thought in mind. Trust me it is well worth it to go at least once my first experience brought me close to tears, as the energy from everyone with this single thought was so powerful.

Unlike last year which was held inside the ROM (and in the evening rather than the morning), we got packed up in the wee hours of the morning to get to Toronto by 8am or so. The view while we waited in line for the gates to open was breath taking. It felt like I was called to this space as it was so close to the Exhibition grounds which was gearing up for Warrior’s day (which always falls on the first Saturday during its run). It was very nostalgic as when my Grandfather was alive we would go on that exact same day every year with him. So for me it felt a little more emotional than it usually would.

Once settled in (and picked our spot on the field) we relaxed a bit. Ahem.. I mean went shopping at the pop up shop. I really wish they had sunglasses there as I left mine at home (aka was too sleepy to remember them). A lovely volunteer offered to take our picture to remember the event. By the way if you look at last years photo, we are pose quite similar to then (how does that happen?).

The wait till the event started was well worth it. In front of my Mom and I was a lovely lady who used to come into Teaopia when I worked there. It was so touching that she remembered me. When the event ended I ensured to say goodbye to her before we left the grounds. I hope to run into her again in the future (ah Teaopia).

Overall the event was very uplifting and set the right tone for the rest of the day. I almost forgot how unique it is to practice yoga and meditation in the morning rather than latter in the day.
I hope you check out this event (or one near you, by the way there is a free one in New York City at Central Park tomorrow ). If you want to find out more about the event check out their webpage at the link below. Till next time everyone.

Lole White Tour Website / Twitter / Youtube

Katherine Bellman

Oasis (Tea and Meditation) Room Project: Room Tour

What a week so far! Saturday’s Outdoor Yoga Event really kicked me down for a while (aka Sunburnt), but I am back with a room tour! Putting this together for you guys really made me feel a little nervous but I am glad to get this out there for you to see.

There are a few things that still need to be done (like the switch plates and finding frames), but they are so minor that I just had to share this with you now.

I am so proud that all of these areas have come together as they have. It was such an adventure from start to finish (check out some progress images over on Instagram). My meditation corner is so comfy now that I have used it a few times to read (or finish up a post). The table fits perfectly into the space and allowed me to really sink into my meditations.

From last week you might have noticed the medallion art piece, here is the one that I got last year. It was a local find and I adore how it brings nature into the room. On the opposite wall is a canvas piece I created last year for motivation. The same line is on a print over at Every Girl but I wanted the colors to fit into the space and pop off the wall.

Right next to my bed is a wire plant stand that I found at Winners. The color did not suit my room so it got a little face lift. The surprising part about it was that it fit my storage basket with my yoga supplies in it. To top it off I got this adorable lamp at Walmart for about 10$ (My Mom get’s the credit though as I was unsure how it would look). Right beside it are a few things to help me relax just before bed (a sandalwood candle and lavender pillow mist).

This is a rare sight to see on my desk (so clean!) but even with it covered in planner supplies (or tea) it still inspires me each time I sit at it. For my books, rather than using a bookend, I am useing a statue I have in my collection (ahem, my brothers collection). I am debating switching Ganish to Lu Yu as he would be a friendly sight while I am at my desk.

While putting together this room I was not going to keep this board in my room but I opted last minute to create an “inspiration board”. Most of the cards are from Kikki.K’s inspiration board kit but there is also a quote that came with a Julep Maven box. To the left of the yellow card is a mini bud vase that I got as a gift from my mom a few years ago. Nothing in it right now but I will soon.

This project gave me the time to finally go through the books I have out while living at home. Now all the ones I have on hand are ones that not only I reference regularly, but make me happy to see. Throughout my room is many different volumes on tea and also learning Japanese.

For when I make tea I have my kensui available to make clean up a breeze.

As I said I have to get more frames but in the mean time I still have the pieces up to inspire me. All of the tea art is from Global Tea Hut and I can not see myself ever letting them go.

I hope you enjoyed this little room tour and perhaps it inspired you to create a space that brings you joy. Till next time, cheers!

Katherine Bellman

Magical Inspiration: Miracles Now Deck

There are days where I have a burning question about a person, situation, thought or even how the day will go. For as long as I can remember I these kinds of things bothered me so much that I worried myself sick. During a bit of my teen years I turned to Tarot cards but I was just looking for quick advice. Flash Forward to this year and the solution was found : Oracle Cards!

While this is my second deck, I love how simple it is. Every verse is taken from Gabrielle Bernstein’s book “Miracles Now”. If you see her book at the library or a book store check it out, as it can be used as a oracle deck too. I love how innovative this deck is, to take a book and create something for little “miracle moments”.

You may be asking how do you use them. Gabrielle suggests to put your hand over the deck and say ” Thank you, divine guidance. I need a Miracle Now. Show me what you’ve got!”. While I love the line I prefer something quiet (and less embarrassing if someone walks by my room).

Simply concentrate on what you need guidance for while you shuffle the cards (or mix them around on the floor/bed). Then let your hand hover over them and wait for a warmth to come to your hand over a card. Take the one that gives off the warmth. This has worked for me each and every time. Try it out and see if this method resonates with you.

When I was putting together this post I pulled a card ( I was feeling a little nervous about writing another post, it happens a lot). The one I pulled was: “Happiness is a choice I make”. It really picked me up (the colours helped too) and I got to work. I use this deck as part of my spiritual and tea practice. A little motivation goes a long way when you need a touch of guidance. Try it out and meditate on it if you are adding it to your practice.

Have you used Oracle cards before (this deck or another)? How do you incorporate it into your practice? Share your experience in the comments below!

Katherine Bellman

Quotable Life Lessons: Do what you can not

Inspiring quotes can provoke you to set intentions and become closer to your truth. Quotable is a series where thought provoking lines from various sources are brought together and lessons can be learned from each one.

Tune in to either set your intention for the week and learn more about yourself to get closer to living in your highest truth. All past posts can be found over on the Quotable series page.

Doing new things can be scary, just like when you first tried to ride your bike without training wheels. Think back to how it felt once you got the hang of it. I bed the feeling of freedom and accomplishment flooded your body. Now latter in life that same fear of trying something new gets us. To work those muscles of learning new things keep a list on hand of things you would love to do. My recent fear is painting my room, I have never done it before. While I do have the paint in the house it has been such a struggle to get started. Thoughts such as, “will that colour look too bright for a basement room?” and even “will I like that colour for the celing?”. It goes on and on, but I have begun to get past it.
By starting to coordinate colours of fabrics, accessories and even floor pillows (I love sitting on the floor), I am on my way to getting this room done. My next step is to take everything off the walls and wipe it down, before filling in all the holes. Once I am there It will be an adventure to get the room painted.
The key to learning something new, (matter how scary it is to start) is to do it all in baby steps. After completing each step, celebrate and move on to the next one.

Is there something you are scared to learn? Tell us about it and how you are facing it.

Katherine Bellman

Digital Table: Global Tea Hut December 2014 + January 2015

Welcome to the Digital Table where you are part of a global conversation with tea. Global Tea Hut is a Non-Profit Organization that sends out a sampling of tea, a gift and a special magazine. Everything is brought together by the community to spread the love of tea, Dao and Zen. Join us the last week of every month to discuss the current packet from Global Tea Hut.

This series was created because the message from Global Tea Hut touched me. It is of my own creation and I receive nothing from them ,but good karma of spreading their message and cause . All past posts can be found under “Digital Table” here

December 2014

Spring 2007 “Old Man Camphor” Shou Puerh from Lincang, Yunnan

This tea was a just what I needed when I was sick a few weeks ago. It gave me a little energy and also casted a calmness over my body. Old Man Camphor smelt very similar to wet forest, earthy and rich. The liquor brewed thick with a sweetness at the end. I noticed a taste of baked cookies that came in before the taste of cooked fruit. Each infusion washed a warmth over you with each sip.

It was like a big hug from the Global Tea Hut Community . A togetherness that is very similar to the lovely holiday card and photo of Global Tea Hut members. The together they invoked the spirit of the season, family.

January 2015

Winter 2014 “Buddha’s Palm” Oolong from Pingling, Taiwan

Who doesn’t love a roasted oolong on a cold night? They just warm you right up and that is exactly what this tea did. Buddha’s Palm is a lightly roasted rolled oolong that just begged to be steeped. When steeped had delicious smell of dried fruit, perhaps raisins. The taste reminded me of cooked apple crumble. It just coated the mouth just right.

“With Slow, Gentle Graceful Movements” by Wu De

December’s issue continued the discussion of a poem on essence of Gongfu tea. This month we are touching on “slow, gentle graceful movements”. This line refers to the elegance that comes from being awareness of every move you make as you brew. Wu De suggests we “connect to you tea practice at every stage of the process”. We do this by being present and being in the practice of connecting to your tools.

To boil it down even further, you need to have a complete awareness (like being aware of your body in yoga) as you brew. Slow down, take your time and make each movement with your full concentration. Focus on each specific task as it arises: when you are rinsing the leaves, boiling water, cleaning etc. Do each task with focus and love.

“Changing Lives with a Kettle & Some Bowls” by Sam Gibb

January’s issue touched me with Sam’s article about sharing tea with children. I have always believed that they are our future and should be taught things to make it better. Meditation is just one of those things, and Sam took it up a notch with some tea (why not?). Sharing tea to teach and foster meditation, is an easier manner for those not used to it. It is perfect method to use with kids and teaching anything is always rewarding (even more so with children).
It all started with camping retreats where Sam early in the morning held his morning ritual of tea and meditation. He was soon surprised with a few kids (and more each day) who joined him. After they all returned back to school some students wanted to continue having tea. This is where Tea Club started.
Sam stated that his reason for teaching them meditation is that: “society is moving away from stillness and true connection, instead we are all looking at our phones”. With his teaching his students began to notice nature around them and even started to have tea at home.
A few of the students wrote about what tea ment for them Amelia wrote a powerful line in hers “Tea for me is a safe, peaceful place”. For me this shows how important skills such as meditation and tea should be taught at an earlier age. That way we may reach a day where there is more respect and harmony amongst the world. Which may very well lead to peace.

Global Tea Hut is a digital community where tea drinkers enjoy the same tea(s) every month across the world. It is subscription based where all the proceeds go towards a non-profit tea center (Tea Sage Hut) in Taiwan that is open to all. For more information on Global Tea Hut and the center please visit them at:

Global Tea Hut

Tea Sage Hut

**All opinions are my own and subscription is paid by me, as a donation to the tea center