The Importance of Ritual 

I remember my Irish grandmother making tea , a pot , milk and a china mug. She always put it on a tray and we had tea. I miss our calm and loving talks. Just before she died I was able to have tea with her and as I was leaving in a little tin cookie box she had packed for me one of her beautiful china mugs.

My Grandpa is 92, going on 93 in March. He still gets around quite well. Knees didn't really start bothering him til recently. He's always kept busy in all his years doing the things that bring him enjoyment. I do think that is a good way to live, and would keep most anyone mobile throughout their lives. I don't think you have much to worry about in that respect, Collette💪😇💖

The tea ritual, YES! This brings back so many memories for me. My, very British, Grandmother enjoyed her tea times everyday. Tea and tisanes have always been a very big important part of my life. From the learning of rituals from my grandma, to the HERBAL tea explosion of my teenage years in the 1970's, and now all of my homegrown herbals for my own making. Love reading and learning from some of the comments here also.

The wreath is beautiful Colette and hearing Jack bark sounds so nice. ❤

When you were speaking about depression I remembered the quote "action is the antidote to despair". I don't know who said it originally but it is wise counsel. Tea is a beloved ritual for me as well and locally we have a shop which sells books and tea. The teas are from all over the world. Part of my ritual is going in there, picking my various teas and making blends. Speaking with the owner has become a ritual as well; that slow getting to know someone and having a history is one of the joys of community for the introvert. Today I am drinking out of my red cardinal china tea cup...a favorite for this time of year. It is filled with a blend of darjeeling and assam...a bit of cream...no honey. I also must comment that I had the experience of a painful relationship as well and have been happily single for 15 years. It was exhausting and never to be repeated. It gave many gifts though; an appreciation of solitude, a pleasure in nature and other living creatures, the forming of bonds with cats and dogs, a loving of myself that possibly would not occurred if I hadn't had to go through that healing time. Bless you, Colette, for all that you share and for being you.

We don't take enough time to stop, have gratitude and sit in silence with something. Whether it's a cup of tea or a human being, we flit about like crazed gnats thinking we'll miss something if we aren't moving fast enough. The neurotic behavior is very telling when I am in the work place. People fidget, bounce their legs, check their cell phones incessantly...those are the people that have a void in their heart. Holes that cannot be filled by video games, movies, sports, entertainment, sex, drugs, addictions.... Only mindful awareness of ourselves can help us embrace being alone instead of lonely or being gentle with ourselves instead of hateful.

One drop of lemon essential oil in your tea does wonders for the immune system.

I met my soul sister at a local drumming circle. We had an immediate and wonderful connection. "Two souls in one body"...I've heard it said...and it rings true. An event that always, always marked our time together was having tea. Suka would bring out a lovely teapot with delicate lily of the valley painted on it. We would enjoy many flavors of tea, but what we savored most was our time together. Then she and her husband vacationed in Alaska and her soul had found its true home. They decided to move....On the last day they were in beautiful northeast NY state...I went to say goodbye. She and I cried in each others arms and before I left she pushed that tea pot into my hands and walked away. That tea pot is so much greater than what it seems to be to people who are unaware of all the emotion and memory that lives in it. I still brew tea in that sacred pot. The ritual of sisterhood continues and continues...Thank you for this moving video Colette. You are a treasure and a balm to my spirit.

Best piece of advice ever! "when you make a cup of tea, sit and enjoy it, sit down, don't be on the run Be still." Love that! I always make tea, then do housework and drink it on the run. Best advice!

Thanks for the reminder! So happy that a loose tea shop opened up here. You can go in, smell the blends and buy in plastic-free containers. Tea is lovely!

LOVE your decorations Colette!! We love all the same things, moss, ivy, twigs, willow - greeen! Elements of Mother Gaia that don´t destroy Her or pollute Her in any way. What nice gifts you and Jack received; how thoughtful!! This is such a beautiful way to live. You are such an inspiration, Blessed Be Sister!

Glad you got the parcel collete and like the diffuser and oils. I forgot to say the oils are food grade so you can eat them.

To Infinitea and beyond-raising my cup of tea to share with All!

A favorite professor said 4:00 p.m. tea time (done as ritual) was key to his long life and marriage. Lovely. Blessings xoxo

I have tea and dessert after my evening dishes every night and I do not ever drink it in a mug or make only one cup. Not ever. And I am not English or Scottish or Irish or Japanese. Just a plain old northern midwestern American. Not rich but lower middle class and disabled to boot. Ritual provides security to me

Just to day Thank you my book has arrived this afternoon and I am sat with a cup of tea my soul mate Piper ( pussy cat) at my side and having a good read Blessings to you Colette and Jack xx

I love my Pluckley tea out of my willow pattern cup and saucer . My nan would not drink out of a mug , she used to say “ you’ll never have a finer cup of tea than one poured into a bone China cup . I must admit I do agree with her . The cottage is looking beautiful Colette , and your presents are lovely . Blessings to you and Jack xxxx

I so agree with a ritual especially when making a pot of tea, everybody is in such a rush all the time.

Yes, I enjoy a very similar tea ritual each day. The everyday rituals that feel so precious and fills one with a quiet sense of wholesomeness and enjoyment. A moment when Time and Now sit in the same spot without a jostle! Your home looks....Yes..Like a Home...Welcoming, warm and with things which tell stories. A feeling of timelessness comes through so very clearly. Love your window display which I look at with deep interest and the wreath on your door. Really, it's all about stories, isn't it.? Of the land, of sacredness, joys, madness and fun and our grief as well. I have enjoyed 'visiting' your home today.Thank you for that!😊 Blessings and thank you, Colette and Jack.

Your Grandmother's right my mam was the same about tea I only drink tea from a China cup and when I see you have a post I always make a cup of tea and watch you and relax . Very thoughtful gifts your have received and the painting is beautiful. The finished wreath is lovely with lights on I agree with you about Facebook I can't cope with some post that appear and it preys on my mind It's good to keep in touch with friends and I found by chance a friend from my primary school days with has given me joy of a happy time in my life. Thank you for your lovely chat today as always Blessings to you Colette and Jack today xx

Lovely red berry glow in your cosy corner, have to agree with the ritual of tea and ceremonies of the home and home-coming, I still infuse wild nettle leaves for tea or rosemary or sage, jasmine green tea for evening, I particularly admire the Japanese art of pouring some of the tea as an offering over the tea pot as if She is the great belly of our planet, leaving something for the tea pixies maybe or faeries, depending on how mischievous the day has been, thank you... I'm already drinking in this feeling xxx

I was enjoying so much in this video, blessings to you Colette & Jack 💜🌀🌏

I agree with the tea. My father made eating a ritual by having a cotton napkin in a ring. I now use the same ring with a cotton napkin = rituals are relaxing with peace to rejuvenate the spirit. My Nan always said “Busy hands makes a Happy Heart” being sad or unhappy yes we have all been there but I have never been bored. Thank you for such lovely videos.

Gorgeous decorations Collette, Country Living Magazine quality. So simple and natural yet elegant. I love it❤️🎄☕️

I've taken my china cup and saucer camping with me, as well! There's nothing like a proper cup of tea in the middle of the forest!

Zen & the Art of Keeping Rituals. How true! Choosing to bring in rural 1935 lifestyle into our farm cottage , has brought about many a ritual of that time period. Using the 1930 kitchen wood stove has slowed me down and dropped me into into that era. The stove needed to be restored and researched. I searched for two years and found a 1908 waffle iron to use on the wood cook stove, as well as other cast iron pieces.The Hoosier baking cabinet is still waiting for me to attempt a gentle restoration. I'm recreating the best of my grandmother's era and it has made an appreciable difference to my mind set and inner peace. Keep following your passions Colette. They will keep you going...

In this world gone mad I totally agree..so important

Love the woodland window scene!! Always connected to her mother!!

Thank you for talking about tea. My daughter and I have tea together every day. loving your videos from south carolina usa.

Collete, I have a hand-made coffee mug I bought about 45 years ago. It has a tiny chip out of the rim, but it's near the handle so I don't hesitate to use it. The symbol of a Dragonfly on it now seems somehow prescient, as I have named my little oganic farm-in-the-making the Dragonfly Eden Project. Be well and bright blessings.

When I look back at my childhood, I have fond memories of even the simplest of rituals that we probably didn’t even realize we were creating. Like having popcorn in a certain bowl and a soda in a special glass reserved just for that day, every Sunday afternoon. My home life was an emotional mine field, but the everyday routines and rituals were what helped keep my sanity as a child. Now, I still draw great comfort and calm from our own rituals; not out of pain but from a place of peace. My grown children are just beginning to realize what a difference rituals can make as they look back to their own childhoods.

Hello Colette you are so right I always use a tea pot it taste so much better. Why don’t people bother anymore. Enjoy from Devon.

☕️ 🎨🏡😊✋❣️Tea, Bealtaine, Jack.. and Christmas decs! Thank you, how much I enjoyed this today. Oh and the little lighted wreath on the 🚪 door🙌

Colette, I do not wish you a peaceful mid winter. I do wish a wonderfilled, chaotic, spell bound and child filled one. With sticky children kisses and loud jubilant noise with love abounding. Be peaceful later and at your leisure. C from the little cottage

Your window display...so beautiful! 🤗

There is such power in helping others, the benefits much out weigh the out put of energy we expend ~ Sue

I love absolutely everything about this video Colette!! Thank you 💖💖

Your window display is lovely.

I love the wreath, it's delightful and homey.

So beautiful and inspiring!!! Love and Blessings from Nova Scotia...💖

I just discovered your channel through a friend. I love this video! I live in a little cottage in a redwood forest in the coastal mountains of California, and my Yule wreath is made of branches of redwood on a base made of pliable redwood branches. I have to make do with what untraditional materials are in my garden :) I'll be going back and watching all of your videos now. Thank you for mentioning the importance of daily ritual; even the small things take on new (or remembered) importance when we slow down and see their true worth. Merry Yule to you and yours.

I always have a green tea in the morning in my special cup and saucer. Relax and just enjoy

🍃I’m off to have my tea ritual, thanks for the reminder🍃

My mother allways made our tea like this

Thank you for the important reminder of ritual. As much as I love the holidays, I will be equally glad to dig deep into winter's quiet and the return to my routine and cherished rituals, as well as having a newfound joy for the annual regrouping and refreshing of my own life. I'm glad you're posting on Facebook, whether you engage with comments or not. The photos and the announcement of a new video being uploaded always brings a smile to my face. It's a week away from the Winter Solstice...I am getting excited for the lengthening of days! Have a wonderful evening, Colette and Jack!

Your little woodland cottage decorations are evolving very sweetly! When you say witch balls do you mean the blown glass balls? Or something different? Wish I could share my cozy home with you too :) Seasons Greetings and Peace on Earth Colette oxox

I will have to get a teapot again, my mother was also so good at that ritual, blessings to you for reminding me.

I whole heartedly agree with you rituals are important

I’ve never heard Jack talking so much. Was he talking to you? Trying to convince you to go for a walk perhaps😁

I love what you said about rituals and slowing down. I think we bust ourselves so much that we are absent from our blessings. I’m curious where you find storage for all your blankets, throws and suck. Do you have lots of indoor or outside storage such as a shed? I’m drinking my coffee as you’re drinking your tea. Very unique and special gift you were sent. Beautiful. Looks like that took a lot of love and care to make that gift.

I love your window display

It's close to midnight here and I am tempted to make a pot of tea. I absolutely make my tea from loose black tea. I also heat my milk.

Love your deer and lantern window display. Hit our creativity amazes me. You make beauty out of everything around you. Speaks to your spirit, your soul. Love that sweet boy, Jack. He’s talking in the background. What a gift from God he is. He has lots to say. I wish I spoke Border Collie. I know his conversations would be a marvel. Love your videos, Collette. Stay safe & be well.

Love this video. The Christmas tree is fabulous and love the red glow all over the cottage. I use china cups for my tea and coffee but must get my teapot in use again. Love the ritual aspect. Enjoyed Jack's little barks in the background.

Blessings to You both ...have been pottering through Your videos and saw this one ... Ritual feeds my Soul and helps me stay connected ... and for awhile I had Mini Moon-day Mirthy gatherings with some of my SiSTARS from the Church of Mirth (celebrating Mother Earth through JOY) I would set the table with lovely plates , we would choose different Tea sets depending on our moods ... sit sharing stories ... sorting the problems of the World .. Laughing a lot ...We would read the leaves and then do some cards readings as well ... thanks for the reminder ...need to do them again ...I do it each day but it is so lovely to share with friends ...Blessings again from New Zealand xx

Thank you again, Colette, for sharing with us. It is lovely in Florida finally, and I can get outside. Your Christmas decorations are very lovely and cheerful. I do appreciate your sharing with us about the need for rituals. I hadn't thought of these small things in that light before. I do see their importance now though, and I recognize why some of mine ARE important to me. The do bring peace and calm and stability. I, too, like the lovely mirror your daughter gave you! Blessings to you and Jack and the bird friends.

The wreath is beautiful! I luv your land so much!

Hi Colette, my copy of Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter has just arrived, many thanks especially for the little gift. Will enjoy reading the book tonight in front of the fire. Blessings to you,Jack and Bealtaine Cottage. (PS inspired by you to make Wreath for the door from plants in my garden, turned out great. Plastic one had now been disposed of safely. Thank you)

I so so enjoyed this video, thank you so very much X

Pretty wreath. Love the birdsong. I am wondering if there is any significance to your rings . They are beautiful. Blessings to you and Jack .

Gorgeous wreath 😍 We used to make these from wild grape vines.

Dear Colette🙌Good morning and thank you-I so adore this spot, you, Jack, and your very magical❣️ cottage in Ireland🏡. Might I ask you- your little (green) jug, I love it🙌 Might you share the name of the maker/where you got it? I'd so like to try to get one. I cannot say enough how splendid I am finding your 🎄 Christmas decs to be! 🎄💕🏡🦌🎄💫

I've been watching some of your past videos, thank you for reminding me about the tea pots.. I used to do this every Sunday, a special teapot/teacup/saucer for the day. It reminded me of the simple joys. Thank you for all. I am nrstooge on Instagram if you'd like to see my patio/apartment/container garden. Doing what I can.

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