It's All About Tea — tea philosophy

We recently returned from a trip to China, where we had the opportunity to meet some truly remarkable people. Among them were Tea Masters (when I say "Tea Masters", I refer to those who produce teas); teachers of Tea Art, who impart the nuanced practices of tea preparation and appreciation; pottery artists, whose craftsmanship is integral to the Gong Fu Cha experience; and many others deeply connected to the world of tea. This journey took us to some of China's most significant tea regions, places where the essence of Gong Fu Cha is alive and thriving.

I feel compelled to share my thoughts and impressions from this trip while they are still fresh in my mind and heart. In this blog post, I want to touch on one of the lessons that left a lasting impact on me. I want to share my observation on the contrasts between the Western and Eastern approaches to Gong Fu Cha by comparing Chinese tea practices' intuitive, flowing nature to the more structured and rule-bound methods often favored in the West. (Read More)

In the world of tea, there is a fascinating concept known as "Cha Qi" (茶气) – a notion that adds an intriguing dimension to the tea experience. 

To grasp the essence of Cha Qi, let's look at the traditional character for Qi – 氣 (today, we use a simplified character for Qi – 气), which depicts steam rising from rice, symbolizing the nutrients and energy derived from food and breath. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this represents the vital life force that circulates through the body. Within the realm of tea (茶 – Cha), Cha Qi plays a significant role, extending beyond the act of tea drinking to influence the entire tea experience. 

In this exploration, we'll delve into Cha Qi as the tea's ability to affect a person's physical and mental state. Beyond being a simple beverage, tea becomes a gateway to altered states of mind and heightened sensations. From teas that help you focus to those that induce a sense of calm, the tea experience becomes a personal voyage where the ordinary transcends into something extraordinary. Throughout this exploration, we'll try to understand and define the enigmatic nature of Cha Qi. (Read more)

Today, we're once again delving into the world of Gong Fu Cha, a tea practice that aims to unlock the full potential of tea leaves through techniques, patience, and understanding tea.

But here's the question: Is Gong Fu Cha just a brewing technique? Or does it hold a deeper spiritual meaning? In this exploration, we'll dive into the two sides of the debate and unravel the layers of Gong Fu Cha. We'll uncover its connection to mindfulness, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of extracting the most delightful flavors and aromas from tea leaves. (Read more)

In a world where everything can be divided into two groups, Gong Fu Cha practitioners can be split between two distinct "schools of thought": those who believe that tea should be approached with a free and intuitive mindset and those who see it as a disciplined practice that requires adherence to rules and standards. Each school offers unique perspectives and benefits but also potential flaws.

In this article, we will explore these two approaches to Gong Fu Cha practice, discuss their benefits and potential shortcomings. So, grab a cup of tea and let's dive in! (Read more)

Start drinking tea slowly, without rush, start paying attention to tea, and you start staying more in the moment, and by paying more attention to the present, you gradually become more mindful. By becoming more conscious, you start getting rid of bad habits and begin cultivating a healthier lifestyle and healthier relationship with the world around you. 

By allowing yourself to pause and relax, you are allowing yourself to calm down, become kinder, more balanced and make better decisions (Read more)