Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore what it really takes to stay the course - even when no one’s watching. Inspired by the remarkable story of photographer Alan McFadyen (who took 720,000 shots over 6 years to capture one perfect photo of a kingfisher mid-dive), this episode invites you to reflect on the quiet power of repetition, ritual, and the long game.

We unpack what it means to become someone who returns. Someone who waits. Someone who doesn’t quit just because it’s hard or invisible or unrewarded … yet.

In this episode:

* (00:01:00) The kingfisher dive: a 6-year promise in one perfect photo

* (00:03:20) Why we abandon habits too soon (and what it costs us)

* (00:04:00) My personal story: showing up online when no one responded

* (00:05:00) Inner critics, team rituals, and the power of tiny returns

* (00:06:30) A Tea Routine to build your “return muscle”

* (00:07:45) The question to carry with you this week

Resources and Links

* More Tea Routines and inspiration: The Tea Mind

* Alan McFadyen’s Kingfisher Photo & short film Moment of Impact by Blair Stewart.

* David Hieatt’s Micro Blog Course

* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to discover teas like Toasted Caramel Cookie Black Tea– to support your focus while nourishing your spirit.

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

What happens when we stop striving and start noticing?

In this solo episode, Erica explores how everyday awe can help us feel more present, grounded and connected. You’ll hear a story about a night sky over a Scottish beach, a community gathered around a fire, and a moment where time slowed down.

We’ll look at why awe matters, how it helps shift our perspective, and what happens when we feel small in a way that opens us up instead of shutting us down.

This episode includes a calming three-minute Awe Tea Routine and a gentle tea suggestion to help bring wonder back into your day.

Brew something warm, get comfortable, and come back to what matters.

In this episode:

* [01:00] What happens when we’re always chasing

* [01:20] The link between awe and meaning

* [02:05] A story about awe at a surf competition

* [03:09] The small-self effect and why it helps

* [04:00] A practical Tea Routine for everyday awe

* [04:50] A seasonal tea recommendation

* [05:28] Final thoughts on stillness and perspective

Resources and Links

* More Tea Routines and inspiration: The Tea Mind

* Listen: The Happiness Lab episode on awe with Dacher Keltner

* Read: The Science of Awe summary article (ICHK School, 2025)

* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, 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

This week, Erica speaks with Sally Harris, founder and operations director of Groundswell Scotland, a charity using surf therapy to support women’s wellbeing. Sally is also one of the first two female directors in Scottish Surfing’s 50-year history, advocating for access, inclusion and healing through the sea.

Sally brings both depth and warmth to this conversation. You’ll leave with a deeper respect for the sea, a new lens on personal power, and a few questions for your next tea break.

“The sea is a mirror. It reflects everything you bring to it.” – Sally Harris

In this episode:

* How Sally went from sailing and outdoor education to pioneering surf therapy for women

* What surf therapy really is, how it works, and why it matters now more than ever

* Why rituals, cycles and sea immersion regulate the nervous system and restore presence

* How community, ceremony and sisterhood in the water help women reclaim voice and joy

* The quiet rebellion against toxic surf culture and what it means to lead from rhythm, not urgency

Listen to the end for a beautiful grounding tea routine you can try this week

Resources and Links

* Groundswell Scotland: website

* Instagram: Groundswell Scotland

* Dr. Easkey Britton’s work on surfing and sea suits

* Tidal Connections community sessions

* Erica’s new tea blend: Sea Within – a calming infusion for post cold-water reset

* Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our new tea, 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.