There seems to be a productivity craze going on these days centering around efficiency, speed and how much a person can get done in twenty-four short hours. We are constantly on the lookout for faster computers, faster food, faster buying, faster dieting and faster what ever else we can get our hands on quickly. Perhaps the reason people are in such a rush is they are trying to escape daily responsibilities to enter a spacious place where things slow down and there is actually time to smell the flowers and enjoy the stillness. The irony of course is that once we adapt to the habit of rushing through everything to get to our destination, we become creatures of habit and subsequently rush through the fleeting, beautiful moments we work so hard to have the opportunity to enjoy!

So why not just start the practice of slowing down and enjoying the little things this very moment. Welcome to the world of Camellia Sinensis, or tea. Revered by monks and socialites alike, tea is an ancient ritual that has been used to promote social interaction, provoke mental stimulation and enhance meditative introspection for centuries. Enjoying a simple cup of whole leaf tea allows you to literally slow down time by entering the moment and becoming part of the ritual. Watching beautiful leaves unfurl, steam swirl up from your cup and your hands become warm from the porcelain edge, the incessant chatter of the stresses in life dissolve, giving you one simple sip and a moment of rare clarity. As the leaves infuse their hidden nectar into your cup of hot water, releasing the energy of the sun, rain and earth, this simplest of rituals gives meaning to life and provides a true moment of peace.

In order to receive the ultimate tea experience, look to purchase tea that is seasonally picked and processed from small artisan growers, ideally those who are organic and fair trade certified. Fresh tea looks and smells clean and beautiful. When you are selecting tea, look for leaves that are consistent in size, shape, and color and you will create a brew that is deep, complex, rich and offers many infusions. As you brew, let the tea teach you! Brewing tea is a very personal process, so let yourself explore as you go. You can always re-steep the leaves if you make it too strong. Below is a suggestion on how to brew. Feel free to experiment with the process to make it your own.

• Start with cold, fresh, spring water, and bring to a boil.
• If brewing white or delicate green tea, let the water cool to 180 degrees (which takes about five minutes)
to prevent scalding the delicate leaves.
• Use approximately 1 tsp of tea per 8 ounces of water.
• Steep to taste, between two and five minutes, strain.
• Enjoy!