Episode Summary

In 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 presence

Let the steeping leaves mirror your pace – slow and intentional. What am I ready to leave behind with gratitude?

Live Sessions

I’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 x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Episode Summary

I 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 Years

Ask 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 Sessions

I’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 x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Episode Summary

When 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 reconnect

What 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 x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.