meditation for peace

Just a cup of tea.

Just another opportunity for healing.

Just the hand reaching out to receive the handle of the cup.

Just noticing hot.

Noticing texture and fragrance.

Just a cup of tea.

Just this moment in newness.

Just the hand touching the cup.

Just the arm retracting.

The fragrance increasing as the cup nears the lips.

So present.

Noticing the bottom lip receiving heat from the cup, the top lip arched to receive the fluid within.

Noticing the first taste of tea before the teaeven touches the lips.

The fragrance and the heat rising into the mouth.

The first noticing of flavor.

The touch of warm tea on willing tongue.

The tongue moving the tea about the mouth.

The intention to swallow.

The warmth that extends down into the stomach.

What a wonderful cup of tea.

The tea of peace, of satisfaction.

Drinking a cup of tea, I stop the war.

~ Stephen Levine