Taking the time to have a steaming hot cup of tea and a little sweet treat has saved my life many times — from frustration with a busy morning, from discouragement from life storms that seemed insurmountable. Tea times have given me a breath to pause in the midst of demanding days. I like to think that it was taking time for tea that inspired Lewis to write the sweeping, inspiring, heartening tales of Narnia.

Of course, tea was central to my daily life in Oxford, as I would take a few civilized moments to bring peace to my day. One of my favorite places for tea was at the Vaults and Garden, inside an old church that looks out on the Bodleian Library. Another favorite spot was a charming cafe that served delectable eggs benedict. If it wasn't for the regular walks in the park I could have easily gained a thousand pounds while living there!

Do you have a rhythm that brings peace to your days? Tell me all about it in the comments.