When we come together for a higher purpose and tea, the afternoon tradition is transformed to a new dimension. “Higher Tea” is born. Beauty, grace, and joy arise from intention and meaning. We drink in the collective wisdom from kindred spirits to live more authentically. Individually and collectively, we are empowered to achieve our highest potential, to discover who we are, and realize why we are here. We become a dynamic force that changes the world from the inside out.

Imagine walking into a room filled with love. You can literally feel it flow from everyone and wrap you in its promising arms. Each smiling face and tender embrace lets you know that you are not alone but are part of a sacred sisterhood. They celebrate your accomplishments—a new book, perhaps. They help with an auction for your favorite charity. You know that with their support you can overcome any obstacle; you can test your speaking skills with this accepting audience; when you lose a loved one, they lighten your burden; when you are ill, they send casseroles and healing energy. The absolute oneness you feel makes your spirit soar with gratitude.

This is what I experience with my Higher Tea circle. You may enjoy a similar experience if you create one of your own. In the last chapter, “The Joy of Tea,” I described how Women of WOW emerged in my spiritual community. This very first Higher Tea was truly one of the most rewarding activities of my life and proved the viability of this divinely inspired idea. I invite you to create your own Higher Tea circle and benefit firsthand from this compelling endeavor.

The options for creating a Higher Tea circle are unlimited. You may simply wish to invite neighbors to your home for an informal tea and conversation. You may desire to transform a weekly luncheon with colleagues into a meaningful sisterhood that focuses on personal or professional growth. Just do it and keep it simple! Call some friends, make a pot of tea, and decide by consensus what will work best.

If you would like to participate in a more formal ongoing Higher Tea circle, propose this activity for your congregation, organization, institution, business, or practice. Encourage your pastor, supervisor, or organization president to purchase and implement ideas presented in Higher Tea: A Celebration of Life. This comprehensive audio-visual packet is an inexpensive and simple means to meet the needs of clients or members. The process is effective and efficient, and the programs are exceptional.

The "Higher Tea: A Celebration of Life" packet includes:

• Planning Guidelines — based on the wisdom from the Blueprint and the process described in the chapter, “The Dance of Tea”.
• Needs Assessment — a questionnaire and guidelines for focus groups.
• PowerPoint Presentations — a DVD with two presentations, a) for organizational leaders and decision makers, to present the purpose and benefits of a Higher Tea program; and b) for staff and volunteers, to guide them through the planning and implementation process.
• Marketing Materials — a disc with templates of materials in Microsoft Word format that can be adapted to meet your needs, including posters, news releases, print ads, bulletin and newsletter announcements, and invitations.
• 12 Model Programs — one for every month of the year, that you may tailor to your specific audience; each program includes a suggested menu, theme, meditation, reading, discussion question, activity, promotional materials, and handouts.

Make a difference in your community or marketplace and you will know
the joy that loving service and spiritual union brings.