Social Respite: The Return of the Sacred Tea Ceremony

Open your senses. Tune into your nature. Listen and take in the language of Nature.

There's something undeniably soothing about spending time in nature—whether it's a walk in the park with friends, or hiking on a quiet trail or a family camping trip.

Nature grounds us. We connected, unified, and at peace. Because this is the essential nature and language of trees, plants, soil, mosses and the animal world. When we are in nature, we automatically attune to these subtle languages.

It is why we seek the outdoors as a place to clear their minds and restore balance. In much the same way, a sacred plant tea ceremonies offers an opportunity to step away from the bustle of our minds, the roles and expectations of daily life, and find harmony, not just with nature, but with ourselves.

When we are busy, we forget to slow down, connect to ourselves and the earth. We chronically live our days in our mind, not in our bodies, often seeking to escape from stresses or challenges. We forget that we are already whole and connected.

Back by popular demand: Laya's monthly Plant Tea ceremonies.

More About Laya's Tea Ceremonies

Sacred plant tea ceremonies offer a unique social opportunity to reset, relax, and reflect.

• Connection to Nature and Self

  
  

  As you sit in ceremony, sipping the medicinal teas of sacred plants, you’re encouraged to quiet your mind and tune into your breath. With gentle guidance through meditation and breath-work, you’ll deepen your awareness and sense of presence, aligning your energy with the peaceful rhythm of the natural world. This time to reflect and reconnect allows you to return to your own centre, much like the calm you feel when immersed in nature.

  
  

• Health and Harmony

  Sacred plant medicines, passed down through generations, hold powerful healing properties. When consumed mindfully, these plant teas not only support your physical health, but also help ease mental, emotional, spiritual, social stress, bringing balance to your life. The intention behind these ceremonies is to create harmony—restoring clarity and peace within your body, your mind, and your relationships with others.

  
  

• Social Respite and Mindful Community

  We all experience the expectation to “perform” or be “on” at work, socially and at times even with friends and family. In tea ceremonies we relearn the ability to simply be present, listen, reflect, and share with others authentically, after meditative contemplation. It’s a space where you can relax and recharge, embracing community without the pressure to conform, keep up, and learn to let judgements slip away.

  
  

"Gaia has completely changed the way I respond to stress. I no longer reach for a glass of wine; I make my own herbal blends. I am loving my sober curiosity!" – Jessica Melro, GAIA Student, 2024 cohort.

Friday April 11th: Sacred Plant Tea Ceremony & Introduction to the Gaia School of Healing

Come sit in circle ceremony to sip slowly the medicines of the Earth. This tea ceremony invites you to quiet the world, reconnect with your body, breath, and plant spirit. Through guided meditation and breath-work, we open the senses and attune to nature's subtle messages.

Ceremony will be held by Jessica Melro, a 2024 GAIA School graduate.

You’ll be introduced to the teachings of the Gaia School of Healing and our Year One 8-Month Apprenticeship in Foundational Herbalism, Sacred Plant Medicine, Spiritual Ecology, and Holistic Healing. This is a beautiful opportunity to explore plant wisdom in the community and experience a taste of the immersive, hands-on herbalism training beginning May 2025.

Date Time: Friday April 11th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Cost: Sliding Scale from $15 to $25 

Please bring: a journal, comfortable clothing, and a curious heart ready to connect with the plant world.

Spaces are limited. Registration is required.

Register for the April Plant Tea Ceremony Here

May 9th & June 13th: Meditative Tea Ceremonies

May & June ceremonies will be hosted by Aarti Mathur, Alchemist, Plant-Ally, Writer, Woman-in-Tech.

Sacred plant tea ceremonies offer a unique heart-filling social opportunity to quieten, decompress, listen within, commune with plant teas, and share your authentic presence.

You will be guided in ceremony to savour the harmony of mind, heart, body, and spirit, with that of Earth medicines.

Date Time: Fridays May 9th and June 13th at 6:30pm.

Cost: $44/ ticket. Bring a friend is $80 (for 2 spots). 

Register for May 9th Ceremony

Register for June 13th Ceremony