I had a non-tea-drinking friend ask me once, what is the point of having a nice teapot? Why does it matter how nice your tea comes out? To me, it’s obvious; the tea tastes fuller, a fast pour gives me more control, it enhances the entire experience. Even with that, he still didn’t seem to get it. I wondered where that question was coming from. Perhaps he didn’t want me to spend a lot of money on something that has no practical use. I mean, it’s only tea. I think other people see tea obsession as a distraction, something that gets in the way of more important things. They see it as a waste of time and money.
He might have a point. What’s the point of making better tea? Why do our standards have to be so high? Tea is a beverage.
But tea is also a secret. The best cups of tea cause the drinker to be silent. It’s hard to explain, but when I’m having tea, there’s something in the air. I’m not obsessed with the energy of everything, but I feel a certain energy. What is that? Why is there no word for it?
I know I’m asking a lot of questions and not answering any. That’s because I don’t know why I have made tea such a significant part of my life. Well, I actually do know why, but I don’t have the words to say. I guess it’s a secret.
Tea Secrets 