Drinking Tea And The Art Of Doing Nothing

Posted on by

Tea Talk 11AThe Italians have a beautiful concept signifying the pleasantness of inactivity – ‘La Dolce Far Niente’, which roughly translates to ‘the sweetness of doing nothing’.

Well, the concept seems easy as taking a break doing relaxing activities gives us lot of options to chose from. But the challenge here is to cultivate ‘mental silence’, which isn’t just about getting respite from the distractions of office chatter or deadlines. It’s about the real sustained silence that quietens inner as well as outer chatter and takes us beyond the noise. A state that can be easily attained through the ‘Art of Tea Meditation’.

A recent Harvard Business Review states that the busier we are, the more quiet time we need. It emphasises on the need of structured periods of silence as important factors in achieving success. In our modern lives when our day begins running on a treadmill of duties and ends with exhaustion, taking a silent break is a luxury. Tea is the modern day meditation and a simple solution to effortlessly embrace the art of doing nothing and experiencing mental silence.

Tea masters and monks have been practising the ‘art of tea way’ for more than 3,000 years – an art that consists simply of boiling water, preparing tea and drinking it. Embracing the traditional goodness of tea in modern times by upgrading our tea-time can help to reprogram our thoughts, manage the non-stop information flow and cultivate periods of deep silence. It can condition our minds to be more adaptive and responsive to the complex environments in which so many of us now live, work, and lead.

Our lives can be a lot different if we take a deliberate pause by just giving 30 minutes of our day to the process of making our cup of tea. This pause declutters our mind, bringing about a sense of calmness and tranquillity.  You can chose this time to unwind, plan your day, read a book, think about what you love, admire the view from your window or think about nothing at all. You make your tea, absorb yourself in the process, sit and sip with no particular agenda, letting yourself go wherever your mind takes you. You could also use this time to think about what kind of life would be worth living, rather than simply living the life you live.

With each passing day, we feel more tired, hoping for a reboot in the form of a break, a pause from the daily hustle. And this idea usually translates into a quarterly vacation – travelling to a far off land to get away from the madness for a while. But we don’t need to postpone that idea any further because the elusive ‘relaxation’ that we yearn for is not just found in the scenic landscapes of our ideal vacation spots. It exists within each one of us and is ours to claim if we learn to embrace it with a tea lifestyle. So instead of fantasising about that one big vacation, brew your tea, find that perfect spot in the house, and reboot your life with a simple tea meditation.

The world is getting louder. But silence is still accessible. It just takes commitment and creativity to cultivate it.  Make your cup of tea mindfully, take a deep breath, relax and let your brain move away from the abstract and the distant towards the tangible and the near.

5 Steps to a Simple Tea Meditation

Posted on by
tea-talk-5

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.”– Thich Nhat Hanh

The modern lifestyle has discreetly trained us to stay distracted, immersed in our smartphones and constantly check for updates, that we often fail to realise how impatient, preoccupied and restless we all have become.

The simple ritual of making and drinking tea has been celebrated as a source of energy, light and alignment since ancient times. But due to lack of awareness and appreciation, we tend to overlook the power of the humble leaf. Tea meditation is a simple practice that will help you pause, reconnect, reboot and embrace life. And here are lovefortea’s 5 simple steps that will guide you to achieve that:

1. Boil water – Start with boiling water for your tea. Simply watch the water boil. Empty your mind and be present in the moment. Embrace the process. Be patient. Watch the bubbles go from tiny, large to rolling. Inhale the steam. Let it remind you to breathe deep – inhale and exhale. Let the process clear your lungs and mind.

2. Select tea leaves –Choose the kind of tea depending on your mood and taste buds preference every day. Feel the texture of the leaves, watch the size, color and shape. Bite them if you want. Smell and absorb the aroma. And add them to your glass teapot. We prefer glass teaware for the visual splendor they offer.

3. Steep and Infuse – Pour hot water into your glass teapot. Admire the dry leaves unfurl, expand, dance, float, sink and come to life. Appreciate the cloud of color from nature spreading out in your teapot, turning the water into tea. Notice the steam wafting up and smell the aroma. Let the leaves steep for 2 to 5 minutes depending on the kind of tea you are making. Relax and breathe easy.

4. Pour – Your tea is ready. Next step is to pour your tea into your cup. Now, don’t just use any cup. Pick the one you love, the one you like to touch and sip from. The one that’s special and calls to you. Decant the tea slowly while witnessing the magical drink pouring from the teapot into your cup. Notice the calming sound of infusion hitting the walls of your cup and the steam rising. Cherish the moment.

5. Drink your tea – Just sit with your tea for 2 minutes now and let it cool slightly. Look at the rich color of your tea. Hold the cup in between your hands and bring it close to your face. Inhale deeply. Feel the warm invigorating aroma awakening your senses and take you into a beautiful journey. To your favorite place. Exhale and while you do so, empty your mind of any thoughts. Sip slowly. Swirl the tea around your mouth and feel the taste of it. Notice the flavors. Repeat slowly. Focus on the tea, enjoy the moment and connect with yourself. Find inner peace. Life is beautiful.

Your morning and evening cup of tea can easily transcend into your modern day meditation. It’s easy. So, pick your favorite spot in the house, light some incense and put some relaxing music on. Maybe light up a candle. Practice mindfully and experience how 20 minutes of your day will transport you to another realm and way of life, with the oneness of man, nature and spirit – the very purpose of tea.

MingCha Tea House – Fun with Kids, Tea & Family

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Most of us can relate to the statement “there is not much to do outdoors” or “why can’t I stay in and play my Xbox or PS3?” Sounds like a familiar statement kids use so profusely. It is true, while technology has provided some thing for every consumer of all age groups in terms of entertainment, it has led to a sense of detachment in terms of experiencing the natural environment and human interaction. One may be in a room of friends but would prefer the company of an ipad , laptop or a phone. With this in mind, parents and teachers have been taking initiatives in focusing on activities which help children interact.

So wanting to carry forward this initiative we thought, what would be a commendable and fun filled activity for children and adults to do together? Being avid tea lovers the idea flowed easily and quickly – of course a tea tasting! Kids are early adapters and this would certainly provide as an interactive activity to indulge them into exploring not only their senses, but giving families a much deserved fulfilled time together, from learning to interaction.

While exploring the idea of tea tasting for kids, MingCha Tea House in Hong Kong came to our minds. In an exclusive conversation with Love for Tea, Vivian Mak, founder of MingCha, shares her mission and vision, which is to allow people from every walks of life to be able to enjoy the true taste of tea – including kids. Based on the concept of togetherness, family interactivity, helping even the young ones explore their sensory palate while learning the art of tea, Vivian has successfully introduced workshops for kids in tea. These are free for children up to 11 years of age and are taught by the tea masters of the MingCha Tea House. And yes, adults are also welcome to attend or chaperone at the workshops, turning this into fun interactive experience for an entire family.

It is said as we grow older we cultivate our likes and dislikes based on external influences. Vivian believes, children being expressive and untarnished in their thoughts on what they like and dislike are more perceptive and true to their senses. However, given an opportunity to taste, smell, bite, sniff and experience tea from a creative and educational approach at a tea tasting, children surely provide a genuine feedback for our comprehension but may also create a platform for future careers for themselves too. Tea tastings are certainly proving to be a good blend of fun, interaction with nature and education which are growing to spark the interest of many little kids who are enthusiastically trying to put their sensory skills to test.

With a fine success and outreach to the world of tea lovers, Vivian of the MingCha Tea House continues to strive to inculcate this deep appreciation for tea in every age group. We at Love for Tea surely commend the initiative as we do believe tea can not only heal your body (internally and externally) but your environment, and it tastes heavenly too.

Next time you plan a family activity, incorporate your little ones in a session of tea tasting and wait to be pleasantly surprised. Don’t take our word on it, give it a try . Who knows you may discover a hidden appreciation or skills of a Tea Sommelier within your own family.

A cup of tea brings the world together and bridges the age gap between kids and adults through a mutual love for tea. A family that tastes tea together, most certainly has fun together. And that’s a promise!

Mungyeong Traditional Tea Bowl Festival, Korea

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The warmer season sees a host of spring festivals in Korea and one such reveling festival is the Mungyeong Traditional Chasbal Festival, popularly called The Korean Tea Bowl festival.

For centuries, Korean pottery has been regarded as one of the most traditional, and best revelations of artistic talent worldwide.The Chasabal (tea bowl) festival is a beautiful blend of ancient traditions and techniques that are culturally driven by harmony of clay, fire and wind. The festival recently marked it’s 17th year (May 1- May 10), with this year’s theme – “the tradition contained in the tea pottery, the deep echo!”

The festival venue, Mungyeong, is a beautiful village near an ancient road through a mountain pass, built during the Joseon Dynasty (15th century). The village is a renowned pottery-producing center with over 900 years of history. It also features Mangdaengi, the oldest kiln in Korea. Home to nation’s leading ceramic masters, the festival, since it’s beginning in 1999, is a profound medium to promote Korea’s customary tea bowls or “Chasabal”, and retain Mungyeong’s identity as the birthplace of traditional ceramics and tea culture.

Mungyeong has long had a flourishing ceramics industry owing to an abundant supply of sandy soil and firewood. This annual festival offers visitors an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the unassuming beauty of ‘Chasabal’ and learn the traditional time-honored craft from region’s best Chasabal masters through many hands-on experience programs.

The most enriching experiences at the festival is the Korean traditional tea ceremony called Darye. At the ceremony people wearing Hanbok, traditional Korean costume, brew and serve tea in accordance with traditional etiquette. Some of the teas enjoyed during the ceremony are Omija (five-taste) tea, Dandelion tea, Green tea and lotus leaf tea. Tea is generally enjoyed with Tteok – traditional Korean rice cakes. The omija tea comes highly recommended, as it is a specialty of the Mungyeong region. Visitors can also sample Makgeolli (traditional rice wine) and rice cakes made with omija.

The festival hosts many thematic events including – the International Exchange Exhibition for Chasabal, the Excellent Mungyeong Traditional Ceramic Ware Exhibition, the National Grand Chasabal Contest and many cultural performances. Besides these elevating programs, there are many leisure sports like paragliding, hiking, spa and beautiful accommodations for visitors to relax, making Mungyeong one of the best destination for family trip in Korea.

The 2015 Mungyeong Chasabal (Tea Bowl) Festival ended with more than 230,000 total visitors.

Chinese New Year – Celebrations & TEA Traditions

Posted on by
chinese new Year

“Gung Hay Fat Choy.” Translation: “Best wishes and Congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year.”

The Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year or the Chinese Spring Festival commences from today. It brings forth the year of the majestic goat, promising prosperity and hope. It is the beautiful time of the year, when traditional customs are followed and lots of Tea related ceremonies are practised. Homes are purified and decorated with charms to invite fortune, gifts are exchanged, Tea ceremonies are carried out and evenings are welcomed with fireworks and lots of delicacies. It is a common practise to pay respect at the temples or shrines, which also sometimes hold festivals and dance performances.

Tea has been a great inspiration and my motivation for learning and appreciating the Chinese heritage, where it is respected as an elixir for spiritual consciousness. In China, the diversity of practises and rituals in context to Tea, performed during the new year festivities, varies from regions based on their own heritage and custom. A popular practise is of brewing the traditional Pu-erh (one of my favorite tea), Ti Kuan Yin Oolong or Black Tea, which is served to the eldest member of the family and on to the youngest. Choosing a fine variety of Tea is essential to the ritual. Prayers and blessings are passed down from the elders of the family to the youngest, with every cup of tea served. “The Tray of Togetherness”, also called the box of prosperity is served with Tea. This is a wonderful treat of assorted sweets and is customarily shared with family and friends present at the ceremony, to bring the sweetness in one`s life.

If one travels to Southern China, the ritual is conducted by offering three cups of tea. Each cup of tea holds a meaning in this ceremony. The first cup is a ‘Sweet Tea’, for sweetness in life during the year, brewed with crust glutinous rice and sugar.  The second cup is a ‘Smoked Bean Tea’, which brings harmony. It is a blend of tea leaves, smoked green beans, shredded carrot, orange peels, perilla seeds and sesame seeds. The last cup of Green Tea is offered after a meal and this concludes the Tea ceremony. The ceremonies are not simply customary traditions but also provide a sense of togetherness and veneration, of the rich heritage of the Chinese.

The Lantern festival draws the fifteen days of this grand Lunar new year festivities to an end, with sea of vibrant colorful lanterns, with messages or prayers of love, fortune and happiness for the heavens above. It is truly said, when a cup of tea is revered, brewed and shared with people, with lots of love, a huge ounce of hope and with a dollop of promises, it brings a sense of happiness and prosperity. I conclude my blog with wishing you all a very Happy Lunar New Year and may every cup of Tea bring you bliss and fortune.

Traditional Chinese TEA Ceremony

Posted on by

The Chinese Tea Ceremony, also called The Art of Tea, is a ritualised form of making tea in Chinese culture. The tea ceremony is a cultural activity, involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea. The ceremony embodies the principles of harmony, respect, purity, tranquility and is always enjoyed with tea as a spiritual medium to practice.

In the above video, Tea Master, Mr.Wang, performs a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony in his authentic Tea shop. The score is a traditional Qin Song (ancient Chinese instrument).