FLOWER TEA & FOLKLORE GROUP
In British folklore, flowers like the bluebell are said to be the favourite of fairies & to disturb them is to risk being enchanted or whisked away. The rose, often associated with love & purity, has long been a symbol of England, while the daffodil is tied to tales of rebirth & new beginnings, especially in Welsh mythology. In the tranquil setting of our tea ceremony group, we invite you to experience not only joy of a perfectly brewed cup of tea but also the rich folklore of the United Kingdom, where flowers & nature intertwine with ancient tales...
In this group, we’ll embark on a journey of folklore and tea, blending storytelling with the sensory delights of tea tasting. Each week, we will introduce a new flower tea, allowing us to savor the fragrant notes while learning the stories associated with the flowers. Through mindful tea tasting, we’ll slow down and truly appreciate the textures, aromas, and flavors of each blend, promoting calmness and presence. The herbs and flowers used in these teas offer more than just a pleasant experience! They have been celebrated for their health benefits, from easing digestion to improving sleep and boosting mood. Afterward, we’ll express our sensory experience through journalling and colour sketching, capturing the essence of the tea in strokes of colour. We’ll wind the session down with a guided meditation, reflecting on the day’s tea and the harmony between nature, art, and well-being.
HEALTH BENEFITS
ART AS THERAPY
SENSORY MINDFULNESS
HERBAL TEA DRINKING
Art therapy has been shown to significantly improve mental health, with a study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association reporting a 39% reduction in cortisol stress levels after just one session (Kaimal et al., 2016). Another study from The Arts in Psychotherapy found that art therapy led to a 54% improvement in mood and a 40% decrease in depression symptoms among participants (Haeyen et al., 2018).
Sensory mindfulness practices, such as tea tasting, have been found to improve mental health by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. A study published in Mindfulness found that engaging in mindful eating, including tea tasting, led to a 43% reduction in anxiety and a 31% decrease in depression symptoms over eight weeks (Arch et al., 2019). Another study from Frontiers in Psychology highlighted that focusing on sensory experiences like aroma, texture, and taste in mindfulness practices can improve emotional regulation and lower stress levels by up to 38% (Keng et al., 2017). Moreover, regular sensory mindfulness activities are associated with enhanced overall well-being and reduced feelings of burnout (Rupprecht et al., 2019).
Drinking herbal tea has been linked to numerous health and well-being benefits. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that regular consumption of herbal teas like chamomile resulted in a 29% reduction in anxiety symptoms and improved sleep quality (Srivastava et al., 2010). Another study in Phytotherapy Research reported that peppermint tea helps reduce digestive issues and can improve focus and mental clarity by 25% (Kennedy et al., 2018). Additionally, consuming antioxidant-rich teas such as green or hibiscus tea has been shown to lower blood pressure by up to 7% and support heart health (McKay & Blumberg, 2013). These benefits contribute to enhanced overall well-being and stress relief.
HOW DO I SIGN UP ?
When & Where :
This group is held every Wednesday at 11am in Glastonbury, the address will be given on the Whatsapp group once you have signed up. Please bring along a sketch book and colouring pencils.
Cost:
This support group is free if you live in Glastonbury and earn under £25k or £10 per workshop, for those who earn over £25k a year, as part of an honesty scheme, which helps us to keep affording the free spaces for those on a low income.
Join now:
Please fill out our referral form to sign up below: