One Path of Tea - Essay

 I am not the average Tea drinker. Although I do enjoy a cup of sencha green in the morning, or perhaps a chamomile tisane blend at night, Tea is more to me than just leaves in water to enjoy on a cold day or night. Several years ago, I attended my first Japanese Tea ceremony and it changed my life. Every move and every utensil had meaning, taking the act of drinking Tea to a higher level, yet I knew that there was more to discover. Chado was the answer - translated to The Way of Tea. In the study of Chado, one learns to incorporate Tea into their life, giving the person time to pause and reflect as they sip on their cup no matter the time of day. To sip your cup of Tea in silence is to breathe. To smell the Tea allows us to appreciate the process of bringing the Tea to us. Every sip is a chance to strip away all of the unnecessary noise and junk and instead focus on what matters most to us. Whenever I enjoy a cup of Tea, I enjoy that moment in my Life. It is of the here and now that I celebrate with my Tea.

To be a part of the here and now sounds easy but it is not. The world is filled with unnecessary drama, hatred, violence, injustice and so on. Sometimes, it gets to be too much and most of us would much rather hide under a blanket and shut it all out. And yet, within the middle of such darkness there are many lights - spending time with a friend, going for long walks in a forest, reading a good book, helping others who need it, and also taking care of yourself. Enjoying a cup of tea with friends or by yourself can do wonders. Something so simple can create so much good. Tea allows you to be in that one moment, that one time, for however long you need it. It helps with our focus and intent and gives us a gentle push towards a better made choice, or a time to unwind and regroup.  

Tea is becoming more and more popular as a beverage of choice and it is no surprise, for it offers so much to those who are willing to receive it. Tea is the second most consumed beverage on the planet, right under water. From the malty and earthy tastes of an assam (black) tea, to the vegetal and Spring-like green teas, to a light and delicate white tea like bai mu dan, there are many forms of tea to be enjoyed. Even herbal blends, or tisanes, are good to enjoy all year long. Not only is tea high in antioxidants and other good things for your body, but it also is called the Calm Focus. Although it does give you the lovely caffeine jolt like coffee, it also provides your body with an even keel of calm and focus that will last for quite some time. Tea is also one of the many ways to help with problems of the mind and soul. There are many people who suffer from depression and anxiety and they maintain and thrive using various methods such as meditation, exercising, and talking with a therapist. However, tea is being used as a way to assist as well - Slow Down. Breathe. One Day at a Time.

Take up a cup, make tea, and Breathe.