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

5 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

Why Drinking Tea Before Meditation Unlocks Deeper Clarity

Drinking specific black and green teas before meditation can enhance mental clarity without overstimulating the mind, supporting a calm yet alert state.

Paul Chek shares how incorporating Simon Cheng's black teas before meditation defied his physiological expectations by producing clearer inner vision instead of racing thoughts.

Simon explains that Buddhist monks traditionally drink black or green teas, which promote sustained alertness and alpha brainwave activity, facilitating optimal flow states.

Adding fats like cacao butter slows caffeine release, preventing a dry, jittery feeling common with coffee, allowing for a balanced, grounded lift that supports meditation quality.

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.

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Life and teaching of the masters of the Far East

Baird T. Spalding

"Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East" is a series of books by Baird Spalding that recounts his alleged experiences with enlightened masters during an expedition to India and Tibet in the late 19th century. The books describe the extraordinary spiritual abilities and teachings of these masters, including levitation, telepathy, and healing. Spalding's narrative portrays a world where spiritual laws govern the physical realm, and where individuals can achieve enlightenment through devotion and discipline. The series explores themes of reincarnation, karma, and the interconnectedness of all beings. While the books have inspired many with their message of hope and spiritual transformation, they have also faced scrutiny due to the lack of independent verification of Spalding's claims. Nevertheless, "Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East" continues to be a source of inspiration for those seeking spiritual wisdom and a deeper understanding of the mysteries of life.

It didn't start with you

Mark Wolynn

Ludivine Bouton-Kelly

In 'It Didn't Start with You,' Mark Wolynn explores how unresolved trauma can be passed down through generations and affect our lives in profound ways. The book provides practical steps and techniques to identify and heal from these inherited traumas, helping readers to break the cycle and improve their well-being.

The body electric

Robert O. Becker

Robert O. Becker's "The Body Electric" explores the often-overlooked electrical nature of living organisms. Becker details his groundbreaking research on the body's electrical system and its role in healing and regeneration. He challenges conventional medical understanding by demonstrating the importance of direct current in biological processes. The book delves into the implications of electromagnetic fields on health, highlighting the potential risks of exposure to certain frequencies. Becker's work has influenced the field of bioelectromagnetics and continues to inspire research into alternative healing methods.

Autobiography of a Yogi

Paramahansa Yogananda

This book is a detailed account of Paramahansa Yogananda's life, from his childhood in India to his spiritual quest and eventual establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship in the United States. It includes his encounters with various spiritual figures, his experiences with Kriya Yoga, and his mission to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation to the Western world. The book also delves into the prophesied writing of his autobiography and its significance in spreading the message of yoga globally[1][2][5].

The I Ching or Book of Changes

Cary F. Baynes

Richard Wilhelm

Carl Jung

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese text that initially served as an oracle but evolved to merge divination with ethics and philosophy. Richard Wilhelm's translation, rendered into English by Cary F. Baynes, introduces the I Ching to modern readers with clarity and insight. The text comprises 64 hexagrams, each symbolizing distinct life situations and transformations, and explores the interplay between yin and yang. It emphasizes the inevitability of change and the importance of adaptability in life. The book includes extensive commentaries by Wilhelm and a foreword by Carl G. Jung, making it a comprehensive and influential work in Chinese philosophy and culture.

Reality+

Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy

David Chalmers

In 'Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy', David J. Chalmers conducts a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between virtual reality, philosophy, and science. He argues that virtual worlds are not inferior to physical reality and that we can lead meaningful lives within them. The book addresses various philosophical questions, such as the nature of reality, the relation between mind and body, and the possibility of being in a simulated world. Chalmers uses virtual reality technology to offer new perspectives on long-standing philosophical issues, making the book a significant contribution to the fields of philosophy, science, and technology.

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.