Tea, Presence, and the Nourishment of Good Company

Today I shared tea in silence with two dear friends. We sat quietly in meditation with the tea, letting it guide us into stillness. Afterward, we shared our reflections—what stirred in our hearts, what surfaced in the silence. Then we walked over to my neighbor’s home, where she graciously invited us in and served us a beautiful lunch.

What was planned as a two-hour gathering unfolded into 4.5 hours of presence, conversation, and shared connection. Time dissolved, as it often does when you are nourished in body, mind, and spirit.

One thing I noticed deeply: my gut felt calm, nourished, and healthy. It reminded me how much our digestive health is influenced not only by the food we eat but also by the company we keep.

When we are with people who uplift us, our bodies relax. Stress hormones quiet down, our nervous system shifts into “rest and digest,” and our gut is able to do what it’s designed to do—absorb, assimilate, and restore. Joyful conversation, laughter, and authentic sharing all activate this healing state.

On the other hand, being in environments that feel draining or tense can have the opposite effect. Stress and emotional disconnection can tighten the gut, slow digestion, and even lead to discomfort.

Today was the opposite of draining—it was fulfilling. We meditated, reflected, picked inspiring cards, and opened our hearts to one another. Love and presence flowed so naturally that hours felt like moments. This kind of nourishment doesn’t just feed the soul—it literally feeds the gut with ease and harmony.

The lesson is simple: surround yourself with good company. Just like tea, it’s medicine. Presence and love are nutrients that no supplement can replace.