When I think about the experience of wholeness I think about preparing a cup of Tea. Four years ago I began to pay attention to fragrance, liquor, flavor and sensations in the mouth. I followed Tasting Protocols. I developed a language on Tea based on words for texture, aromas and flavor profiles strictly found on a Tasting Table and a Tea Glossary.

My nose and tasting buds developed fast. I started identifying the different types of teas, and learned how to express “objectively” aromas, flavors, astringency, body, aftertaste…

However, I recently realized that the Protocol does not take into account how each Tea, each day, makes me feel. I have found rewarding to become aware of the relationship we develop with Tea, and I deeply believe that recognition of secondary qualities will come with it, along with so much more.

I once read that Tea brings together man and nature. This inspired me to search for the parts needed to prepare a cup of Tea, trace them to the origin and incorporate the notions learned throughout this module to reflect on Wholeness.

The following is a guided reflection on Coming into Being, through the Art of Tea.

THE PARTS ARE NOT THE WHOLE

The parts in Tea are the basic elements of existence (earth, fire, water, air).

THE SEARCH
Be aware of the origin of the elements you need.

EARTH

Cup

Search for a cup you feel connected to. Consider that you will create a close relationship with it, and it will create a tight relationship with the leaves. Be aware of the color, of how it feels, the texture, the flavor, the smell.

I bought these cups from a local artisan, Lina, she buys the clay from a man in Chía who prepares the blend from different local sources.

Tea Leaves - Look for living leaves, where the relationship between man and plant is one of respect and reverence.

WATER - Trace the source. I brought water down from the mountain.

AIR - Choose a special place to be comfortable. Chose music, nature or silence.

FIRE

Energy is found in direct heat as well as in Cha (Tea) Qi and in You and Me.

Energy is in our intention. The brewer influences the Tea. The “energy” of one handling the water, leaves and cup, flows into Tea.

According to Tao, Qi connects us to the energy and movement of the entire universe, thus Tea can help us connect with Wholeness.

PREPARE A CUP OF TEA

EARTH - Get to know your tea-ware intimately so that you are fine-tuned to it.

FIRE - Heat the water just before boil.

WATER – Wash the cup. Place the leaves in the cup, the amount you can grasp with three fingers. Cover them with water.

AIR

Be aware of the space that is now being filled. Sit comfortable. Attune to the peace of the space. Be present. Think about the way those leaves travelled to your cup. Imagine they were plucked, withered, dried, rolled, packed and sent across the ocean.

How wonderful is that those leaves you are infusing are unique and are now here in this present moment to exchange their history with you and your history.

Bring your face to the cup and feel the vapor rising.  Sense the aromas.

Contemplate how the leaves unfold, how they come back to life.

Trust yourself, you will know when you are ready to become Tea.

BECOME TEA

Inhale and exhale deeply.

Your hands subtly hug the cup. Feel the warmth you receive in turn. Preserve the heat and absorb peace with slow, gentle and graceful movements, and a heart free of obstructions.

Touch the edge of the cup with your lips. When Tea reaches them, feel the exchange like a subtle but profound kiss.

Allow those first sips to blend with the palate. Feel how slowly your mouth and throat begin to adopt the qualities of Tea.

Take small sips.

Allow time to expand.

Pause, reflect, breathe, meditate.

Feel how in this present moment Tea and you are becoming one.

Feel your heartbeat, feel the earth below and the heaven above.

Feel how Tea flows inside you. Its energy is now your energy.

Be aware of the aftertaste. Even if there are no sips left, there is no need for more because now you are Tea and Tea is you.

Contemplate the moment.

Everything is finished with one breath.

You will know when it is all over, or you can choose to expand time with another infusion of those same leaves in your cup.