Rituals that increase relaxation and overall well-being

Rituals that increase relaxation and overall well-being
AGnes, founder of Napa Valley Tea Company saves the day (Photos by Nicole)

This past week had been a doozy. 

I knew I needed some decompressing this weekend. Recently, I had some amazingly smooth and delicious Chamomile tea at a nearby restaurant at Goose and Gander, here in St. Helena. It was probably the best I ever had and I had to know where it was from so I could experience it again. 

So I made it my duty to research the company and the amazing lady behind the brand. I had the pleasure of meeting Agnes of The Napa Valley Tea Company over the weekend when she kindly offered to meet with me personally. We had a great chat. 

Following this, I was destined to make it a ceremonial experience for myself this weekend. I learned my taste buds were spot on and the tea is popular among celebrities like Dr. Oz, and, the late Kate Spade and, several other celebrities as well as established high-end resorts and shops around our valley. I had already been swept away by the fragrant richness of the tea flowers at first sip earlier this week as well during my first five minutes of chatting with Agnes. I later learned the news of her notoriety but wouldn't have suspected it due to her humble demeanor.  

Beyond name-dropping, I have to say this beautiful soul and owner had such a pleasant, wise, and healing energy. I felt there was a greater story laying beneath. So I asked her, “Is this something you grew up experiencing from your family”? She shared in a very humble manner that “yes” it, was in fact of similar traditions that both her Mother and Grandmother would use. 

She told me of a story where they would bathe her in leaves of her native region of The Philippines growing up to heal her of ailments or illness back then. Her roots ran deep and you could feel it. It’s no wonder the tea warmed the soul and grabbed ahold of me and so many others in the way it had. My conversation with Agnes was as lovely as her tea. The Napa Valley Tea Company is comprised of gourmet teas which, are locally blended and sourced from small organic farms from all over the world.

Isn't it amazing how when we make it a priority to savor the moment, we can turn a stressful inconvenient moment into a chill one to reset us?

I sat at the kitchen table in my house for over an hour and set out my best. I set out my favorite teacup, spoon, cloth napkin, and teapot and began to fully savor the moment of enjoying the process of steeping, listening to the sounds of scooping out the dried highest quality flowers, listening to the quiet in the room and the sounds of the water being poured over the flowers. Over 3 cups later, I was in love with this chamomile tea for the second time and cannot wait to try the “Wine Country Detox tea later this week.”

Check out my reel to watch the reviving experience on my Instagram page 

You are able to purchase tea from The Napa Tea Company at either the Farmer's Market in Saint Helena and Calistoga or on their website.