353 — Why Caffeine Before Meditation Might Be the Secret to Clarity With Simon Cheng

12 snips

Jul 8, 2025

Simon Cheng, founder and CEO of Pique Life and a practitioner of Taoist internal alchemy, shares insights on enhancing meditation through tea. He discusses the unique benefits of black and green teas, which promote mental clarity and peace. Cheng also reflects on the power of mindfulness practices, the intersection of Eastern wisdom and Western thought, and overcoming adversity through self-awareness. He emphasizes the transformative connection with nature and the importance of simplicity in spiritual journeys. Don't miss his personal anecdotes on growth and resilience!

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ADVICE

Tea Enhances Meditation Clarity

Drinking black or green teas before meditation can enhance mental clarity without causing jitteriness.
The sustained caffeine release supports focus while keeping the mind calm and grounded.

INSIGHT

I Ching Reflects Nature's Flow

The I Ching represents the flow and changes of nature, mirroring the cycles of human experience.
Taoist practices integrate nature's dualities into spiritual progression toward emptiness and unity.

ADVICE

Use Adaptogens for Steady Energy

Use adaptogenic blends like Nandaka to nourish your nervous system and support sustainable, steady energy.
Choose products with full-spectrum ingredients sourced sustainably for holistic brain and body support.

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Over his long career as a practitioner and therapist, Paul has taken such great care in honing and fine-tuning his daily practices that for him to consider changing them is pretty rare.

That is, until Simon Cheng, the founder and CEO of Pique Life, put a thought into Paul’s brain in their first podcast conversation more than five years ago about using black teas to support his early morning meditation practice.

Discover what Paul learned from Simon that changed his meditation practice for good and why having a daily practice can mean all the difference in feeling fear versus peace of mind this week on Spirit Gym.

Learn more about Simon and Pique Life on social media via Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Timestamps

7:49 Can drinking tea support a meditation practice?

14:41 “Technically, we’re spiritual kung fu brothers.”

19:40 One of the coolest things about tai chi.

26:25 The one book Simon has given to so many people.

39:39 A pivotal point in Simon’s life that led him to create Pique Life.

51:38 Understanding adversity from a spiritual perspective.

1:03:00 Meditation is only one of many ways to develop your own mindfulness practice.

1:09:25 Don’t mix Pranayamas!

1:15:00 Can you experience spiritual healing without psychedelic drugs?

1:24:15 A symphony of nature.