Cuppas and Communities
Our Wellbeing Practitioner, Eleanor, shares a powerful reflection on the value of a good cuppa…
Across the world, the tradition of brewed, non-alcoholic drinks transcends countries, cultures, and religions. Tea and coffee are a staple of so many households, with daily traditions about the way it’s prepared and consumed. In the UK, millions of people drink a cup of tea every day. The classic afternoon tea is so quintessentially British it is recognised thousands of miles away. In Japan, their traditions include tea ceremonies, which promote connection and wellbeing among many other benefits. In Morocco, mint tea is a sign of hospitality; the preparation and serving is part of a social ritual which shows respect and unity.
Of all the varying ways of enjoying tea, there are just as many ways to enjoy coffee. From the sugar foam (or espuma) that characterises a Cuban coffee to Greek coffees brewed in pots over scorching sand, there are so many ways to prepare coffee. Australia is king of the flat white while North America is mainly associated with Starbucks and the infamous pumpkin spiced latte. Even hot chocolate has strong historical traditions in Mexican culture, though the way it was first processed and consumed would be unrecognisable to many people today.
Despite the difference in the way we prepare, flavour, source and consume our preferred drinks, there is one thing that across cultures we all share; a good brew will unite us all. The communities we create over a cuppa foster respect and connection, no matter what the ritual or tradition attached to it. This kind of connection can be seen in so many ways, from the friends chatting for hours over a brew, to the person bringing tea to an ill loved one, as far as the tradespeople who sit with their isolated customers for a coffee and a chat. Every single day a cuppa brings people together.
Community goes even further in independent cafes and businesses. The local coffee shops, who always welcome you with a smile, who take the time to learn your name and your order. The cafes that make you feel like walking into an old friend’s house, greeted with beautiful smells, smiles, and comfort. There are so many moments of joy and community that can be found in a simple brew. But how many people take the time to really see that joy? To be present and appreciate the community they have created. How many people see making a brew as a mindless activity, rather than seeking people to share it with?
At Leeds Sanctuary, community and connection are at the heart of everything we do. In Leeds, we have some amazing independent cafes and businesses that create the perfect space for relaxed socialising, comfort and connection. With this in mind, we have designed a casual drop-in service and partnered with some unique local businesses who hold community at their heart. We’ll be offering board games, colouring books and some other quiet social activities in an informal and welcoming environment.
I’ll be on hand if you want to chat, whether you’ve had a rough day/ week/ month, or you just want to talk about the new series you’re binging, everyone is welcome.
Pop in and see us for a cuppa and a chat!
No-one will be turned away for lack of funds - please let us know if you’d like us to get you a brew.