POHODA ( CONTENTMENT)

Waking up to the sound of gentle rain outside my window, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. It's my Pohoda, my own personal comfort zone, where the world slows down, and I'm at peace. I take long, deep breaths, savoring the quiet morning moments before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

As I sip my morning Pǔ'ěr tea, I let my mind wander to the memories of my Taiwanese vacation in the mountains, where I learned the art of brewing tea.

I recall the serene atmosphere of the tea house, nestled among the lush greenery, and the gentle guidance of the tea master.

The tea master taught me the intricacies of Pào Chá, the art of brewing tea, and the importance of patience, attention to detail, and mindfulness. The tea leaves unfurled in the hot water, releasing the complex flavors and aromas of the Pǔ'ěr tea. The process was meditative, and I felt my worries and stress melting away with each passing moment.

But Pǔ'ěr isn't the only tea that brings a pause. A recent holistic health assessment diagnosed that I majorly drink beverages of color red. Going by that, I changed my diet to include soothing cups of red tea, made with Roselle (Hibiscus), Rosehips, Red Dates, and also Cranberry.

The floral zing of the Roselle, combined with the sweetness of the Red Dates and the subtle tartness of the Cranberry, creates a delicious and calming concoction on its own or even as a blend. As I sip it, I feel my body relax, and my mind calm down.

The Pohoda of my mornings continue with a combination of practicing yoga, letting my body stretch and flex, releasing any tension or stress. The slow, deliberate movements of the poses help me connect with my inner self.

Alternately I change my sessions to pilates or cardio workout to keep the mundane away. This is usually followed by losing myself into a deep meditation freeing my mind of all thoughts. I relish the nothingness.

The rest of my day is spent working on projects that bring me joy, whether it's writing, painting, journaling or simply spending time gathering knowledge from podcasts. I prioritize self-care, making time for activities that nourish my soul.

A leisurely walk in nature, a good book, or simply a siesta with a white noise playing in the background all contribute to my Pohoda.

As the day comes to a close, I reflect on the moments that made me feel most at peace. Perhaps it was the perfect cup of Pǔ'ěr tea, a beautiful sky at sunset, or a good conversation with a friend. Whatever it was, I acknowledge it, and let the feeling of Pohoda settle deep within me.

At twilight, I light some aromatherapy candles, or switch on a diffuser with essential oils, put on soothing instrumental music or a Beethoven symphony, and let the soft glow of the flames cleanse me of the unwanted energies. A much needed smudge.

Of late , I've discovered Rooibos, a caffeine-free herbal tea from South Africa, known for its nutty flavor and potential health benefits.

Rooibos tea contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage. It makes a great option for those sensitive to caffeine or looking for a relaxing evening drink. Some studies suggest Rooibos tea may help support heart health.

I steep the Rooibos tea in boiling water for 5-7 minutes to bring out its full flavor. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of honey enhances the flavor.

As I brew another cup mostly with Rooibos as a nightcap, I feel the tranquility of the moment wash over me. It's my way of unwinding, letting go of any stress or anxiety, and embracing the peacefulness of the moment.

My Pohoda is a personal sanctuary, a place where I can retreat from the world and recharge. It's not about escaping reality; it's about finding balance and harmony within myself.

The art of Pào Chá and the soothing comfort of my red tea blend have become integral parts of my Pohoda reminding me to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and prioritize my well-being.

As I drift off to sleep I let the calm take over as I feel grateful for the lessons I learned in those Taiwanese mountains.

PIC COURTESY: PINTEREST

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