Quali-Tea Time

I am most decidedly a coffee drinker. Each morning, my dear husband brings a good cup of java to my bedside. I know that makes him sound very sweet and thoughtful (and, in fact, he is) but really, he does it for self-preservation. He puts it down and then backs away slowly and quietly until my morning beast is calmed by the caffeine and I return to human form.
Being a coffee-lover, however, does not stop my ongoing affair with tea. Though faithful to the bean in the a.m., I dally with all manner of fragrant leaves from green to black and everywhere in between throughout the day. Sometimes it’s the flavour that appeals to me, other times it’s tea’s restorative qualities and more often than not, it’s the attached rituals that seduce me.
Tea has been hailed as a magical elixir; so much so that one would think it has the capacity to bring about world peace. Certain teas have been linked to weight loss, reduction of cancer risk, aiding digestion, increasing metabolic rate and more. Tea contains Catechins which, contrary to popular belief, have nothing whatsoever to do with Sunday school. Catechins are a type of antioxidant which helps fight free radicals (wait, maybe that does have something to do with religion…). Not only does this ancient beverage contain good-for-you compounds but, more importantly, the ritual of taking tea is, in essence, a mini-sabbath.
Lie back and think of England for a moment. Tradition dictates that work stops for a brief time in the afternoon for workers of all ranks, from manual labourers to white collar desk jockeys, to take time out from their day to sip and snack. In several Asian countries, the serving of tea is a careful and complex ceremony which requires one’s full concentration, an act which, in and of itself is akin to meditation. As for high tea, what could be more fun than getting together with friends for a few hours of sipping a refreshing brew, noshing on finger foods and indulging in frivolous chatter?
Now imagine how creating a tea ritual of your own could enhance the quality of your life. It’s time to wake up and smell the… tea leaves!
2 Responses
Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved.
Ilana, I love tea as well. Also a coffee fan. However I also love how tea can settle ones nerves, mind, heart! It is a ritual of sorts, a sort of hug or comfort when you need one anytime of day!
Yes indeed, Andrea! I’ve taken to using loose tea to extend the ritual a little (plus I think it tastes better). Isn’t it amazing that a few dry leaves and some hot water can change your outlook? A good cuppa suits me to a “tea”…
<< Previous Post Next Post >>
CONNECT WITH THERESA!
Theresa speaks in NYC at the 140 conference
The Dirt on Deli Meats
Theresa Albert
Friday 3 February 2012 . (16)
social contagion-four of spades
Marci
Tuesday 5 April 2011 . (14)
How Can 2 Pizza Brands be So Different?
Theresa Albert
Friday 9 September 2011 . (12)
Thank You to My Friends. Four of Spades.
Heather
Wednesday 30 March 2011 . (10)
Six of Spades with a Side of Pensive Thoughts
Heather
Tuesday 15 March 2011 . (10)
Pea Soup with Lemongrass &Chili!
Andrea
Sunday 25 March 2012 . (1)
Dave Mercer: Subway Commit To Fit Challenge
admin
Saturday 24 March 2012 . (0)
Outside The Box
Jodi Lariviere
Tuesday 20 March 2012 . (0)
Good Grain Salads
Theresa Albert
Monday 19 March 2012 . (1)
Breastfeeding and Allergies
Theresa Albert
Thursday 15 March 2012 . (0)
Pea Soup with Lemongrass &Chili!
Sunday 25 March 2012 . (426)
Key Lime Pudding
Monday 30 January 2012 . (426)
Key Lime Pudding
Monday 30 January 2012 . (426)
Moroccan Chicken Tagine week
Tuesday 22 March 2011 . (426)
The PDT Cocktail Book
Thursday 1 March 2012 . (426)
Categories