Moment that’s perfect to a tea
Perhaps like you, my days begin and end with a nice warm, freshly brewed beverage. Tea is my tonic, and it’s the most popular drink in the world, after water. Tea has gained somewhat of a pop-cult status over the past 350 years. It’s a universal elixir — we love and grieve with a cup of tea in hand. It’s drunk around boardroom tables and camp fires, in hospital beds, and at baby showers, at grandma’s house, weddings and funerals. It breaks down barriers and creates bonds.
Originating in south-west China, legend has it that the good ol’ cuppa was accidentally discovered by Emperor Shennong just over 4400 years ago. Leaves of a Camellia sinensis bush (the plant from which all non-herbal tea comes) are said to have fallen into his cup of hot water one day, and voila, tea was born. But archaeological evidence suggests that tea plants may have been cultivated as far back as 6000 years ago.
Paradoxically, the plant is both a stimulant and a relaxant, and its health benefits are widely known. With antioxidant properties, tea helps to repair damaged cells. It can also reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some types of tea help boost the immune system, fight insomnia and drowsiness, and aid digestion.
Throughout history, tea has been part of ritual and ceremony — a cup offers a sacred container for quiet contemplation. However, the beverage has a bit of a dark side. It led to the First Opium War (between Britain and China) and also sparked the American Revolution. Tea has a bittersweet backstory here, too. During the colonisation of Australia, it was used as currency for Aboriginal labour. However, this all says more about cultural imperialism, rather than the plant itself.
Drinking tea can be about more than just a quick fix. When consumed intentionally, it can be rather mindful. Japanese tea ceremonies are about ichigo ichi-e, (meaning “a moment, an encounter”) and form part of Zen tradition. Ceremonies are performed with great dedication and patience. They are intentional and co-ordinated.
A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to take part in a tea ceremony in Perth. It was divine. Our host artfully poured and swirled. She turned each vessel with slow, orchestrated movements, before offering us a small bowl with a couple of leaves steeped in warm water. I lifted it to my mouth, both hands cupping the earthen dish, and my closed eyes. The steam swirled through my senses and gently caressed my lips.
The aroma was a subtle mix of floral tones and woody scents. The delicate essence of the “gateway of spirit” (shen men) purple tea transported me into a place of stillness and grounding. My body dropped, deeper and deeper, and my thoughts became still. For a moment it felt as though the tea and I had merged, into one (it sounds a bit trippy, I know). It was unlike any meditation experience I’ve had.
The tea ceremony taught me about the organic timing of all things, about living intentionally, aligned to the natural rhythm of life — not forcing anything, but gently flowing and growing.
You can give it a go at home, too. The beauty of tea is that it’s really accessible, and you don’t need to be a Buddhist monk, or even sitting in a group ceremony, to have a mindful encounter. Next time you pop the kettle on, take a deep breath, centre yourself and connect to the present moment. In the busyness and haste of life, let a pot of tea bring you a spot of joy.
This article was first published in The West Australian in Renée Gardiner’s weekly column in Agenda, 4 September 2021.