Welcome to the heart of November, where the world is beautifully tilting toward rest, and the air carries the promise of reflection. This month, we embrace Gratitude not as a grand concept, but as a daily practice of seeing the simple and the sacred in every moment.
Today's reflection invites us to look for the tiny, essential anchors that hold our day steady: What is one small, ordinary thing that brings you comfort each day?
The Anchor of the Simple Sip
For me, the answer is simple, yet profound: the first cup of hot tea on a Saturday morning.
It is not merely a beverage; it is a full ritual. It is the gentle whistle of the kettle cutting through the quiet pre-dawn shadow. It is watching the clear, hot water change color as it draws the essence from the leaves, transforming the ordinary into a fragrant elixir. The rising steam is like a soft curtain, drawing my focus inward.
This is an ordinary thing, yet it is utterly sacred. It is a moment of pure intention. As Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh once wrote, “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves.” For five minutes, holding the warm mug, I practice being completely present—savoring the aroma, feeling the heat, and appreciating the delicate complexity of the flavor. I am just a person, grounding myself in the present, grateful for the pause.
If I desire to be a bit extra, I opt for using my glass teapot and put in a flowering tea. This adds another layer, as I become completely captivated by the flower opening and filling up my pot. The aroma of the floral teas puts me at ease and allows my focus to be complete. I recommend trying it for yourself.
Change of Seasons, Comfort of Connection
This comfort takes on special meaning as we settle into the change of seasons. The vibrant, frantic energy of summer has given way to autumn’s call for quiet contemplation. The natural world outside is letting go, its leaves falling in their majestic final dance between the light and the dark. This slowing down is necessary, a powerful part of the sacred rhythm of daily life.
As the days grow shorter and the air outside chills, our homes become more precious. They are the sanctuary where we retreat, stoke the inner fire, and reinforce our family connections. This is the gentle preparation for Thanksgiving—a holiday fundamentally built around gathering what is essential: conversation, warmth, and the people we love. A shared pot of evening herbal tea becomes a simple ceremony, a time to talk and connect before the day is done.
The small, ordinary comforts—like the ritual of tea, the soft warmth of a favorite cardigan, or the quiet sound of rain against the window—are what make the inner world strong enough to face the challenges of life. They are little pockets of peace that, when fully acknowledged, transform a routine existence into a life rich with gratitude. Look closely at the simple; you will find it is deeply sacred.
If you want more tips and support, find me on TikTok, find me on TT:@ starseedsarah. Let's continue this journey to balance and purpose, and let our energy show what we choose to focus on – success, love & courage!
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