The Simplicity of Tea ~ at its essence tea is as simple as simple can be… leaves, water, boil, drink.
But of course, it can also be complex… the perfect tea, an exact temperature to the water, a definitive amount of tea, the precise brewing time, and specific cups and pots to serve the tea in. Just like everything in life, tea is as simple or as complex as we choose to make it
I love The Simplicity of Tea, just as I love the simplicity of most things, wildflowers rather than a perfectly crafted garden; watching the sunset rather than the most elaborate fireworks; meandering in a forest rather than staying in a swanky resort (true story).
My tea making is simple… of course a fine tea to start, but then I just boil the kettle, let it cool a little (no measuring of temperature or weighing of tea leaves), a glass pot so I can watch the leaves unfurl, and my favourite cup to sip from.
The key to making tea ~ or anything else ~ work, I believe, is simply to be present. To invite your senses to the party and feel joy and gratitude in the moment at hand.
The Simplicity of Tea ~ a poem I made up for this blog…
Earth offers the leaf to you,
Water will turn the leaf to brew,
Fire will give the water life,
Air will carry away your strife,
Now add your spirit for a moment of bliss,
Life is truly as simple as this.
Enjoy the Simplicity of Tea, practice kindness, and may your magick serve you well. ~ GreenWitch Tea
I give the final word to Tea Master, Sen Rikyu, ‘Tea is nought but this: first you heat the water, then you make the tea. Then you drink it properly. That is all you need to know.’
(1) Keeping life simple (2) The four laws of simplicity (3) The power of simplicity (4) GreenWitch Tea
2 Comments. Leave new
I love your poem and I also love the idea of the glass teapot to watch the leaves unfurl…. I have some very pretty teapots but might invest in a glass teapot to sit and absorb “the process”…. thank you again – I just love your work xxx
Thanks Janet… a glass teapot (I believe) really is worth the investment. The visual delight of tea just blossoms ~ (pun intended :-)) ~ when you have one.
Enjoy, thanks again for the kind words, and many blessings to you… )o(