Tea as a Daily Ritual

Tea as a Daily Ritual

A look into one man’s daily tea rituals and how it impacts his life.

Our lives are made up of a wide range of moments. Sensory experiences, thoughts, joy, sorrow. Finding familiarity and nostalgia in our daily rituals can be a great source of comfort. It grounds us in who we are and what makes us ourselves. Aroma and taste have always been big drivers of this for me. The floral smell of the shower in the morning, the bright refreshing taste of brushing my teeth remind me that I have woken up to start another day. And then when I set my kettle for my morning tea my mind is clear and ready in anticipation.

My tea of choice in the morning is matcha. I open the bag to the familiar beautiful green, and I get just a hint of the aroma I know so well, but it’s when I add the water that it really comes alive. Just a little bit at first before a short first whisk mixes the gorgeous matcha with the air and I get hit with the sensuous garden fresh spring peas. Somehow invigorating and calming at the same time. A paradox I find somewhat unique to tea. Then I add a little more water and I whisk to fully incorporate and the beautiful foam is made. Then a first sip. The sensation of drinking it, the beautiful spring pea, the rich umami of seaweed and I’m just happy. And after I finish my bowl my day is better for having drunk it and I can look forward to tomorrow morning.

Afternoons for me are time for gong fu cha - Chinese tea preparation and ceremony. For gong fu, I prefer oolong. This is an afternoon pick-me-up that always enhances my mood no matter how my day may be going. Although tea is an incredibly social drink, I can really enjoy this time to myself if I’m home alone. The excitement of picking what tea to have today, followed by picking my teaware as I heat the kettle for the second time in the day. Then I choose perfect oolong to fit my mood. Again I open a bag, this time it’s perhaps dried fruit that I smell or a floral bouquet. I’ve always loved the imagery of water in gong fu cha. The rinsing of the leaves and the bathing of the pot or gaiwan always get me really excited to finally drink. The first sip brings the promise of lots more; with every steep, a slightly different cup. This to me is the quintessential cup of tea. Perfect as it has been for a thousand years. And I am incredibly content and happy in my home.

Evening tea is a cold winter night with a herbal tea or tisane. My work is done for the day. My bones are cold and tired. I want to feel the warmth in my hands from a mug of herbal tea and bring the steaming vapours to my face. I am partial to lemon ginger in tisanes. I’ve always drunk them to feel better when sick, plus I love the the distinct smell and taste. The citrusy freshness of the lemon peel and spicy heat from the ginger pieces are the perfect duo to soothe my throat or settle my stomach, or simply to help me relax in the evening. We have a clear glass teapot that I like to use for herbal tea. I love to hear the sizzle of the boiling hot water hitting the material in the teapot and watch as the clear water infuses in front of me to a golden liquor. This is put your feet up tea - something to relax your mind and body. And I do.

I have drunk tea regularly for as long as I can remember. My mother is a tea lover and we have always enjoyed it in my family. Finding a life partner whose family’s lifestyle revolves around tea has been an added bonus. Our ritual has been to eat delicious Chinese takeout, bring over a tea Sierra’s parents have yet to try, and sit for hours, sipping slowly on pots of tea whilst competing in an intense game of Mahjong. I can’t imagine my life without it and I am so grateful for the big part of my life that it has become. Through all of the evolutions in my life it will always be a constant, a source of grounding, and the most wonderful ritual for each and every day.