It is as common as common knowledge gets; tea is good for you. It overflows with constituents that anti-oxidize, scrub free radicals, improve blood chemistry, fight cancer and promote clarity without a buzz. Fire up Google and a vast library of molecules and microbiology tell science’s story of why Camellia Sinensis is of benefit. Indeed, there are a plethora of reasons to include tea within the habits of the day.
But there is another fine reason for tea. Joy.
.
The joy that comes from the pleasure of time stretching into an endless evening of conversation and connection. The joy that comes from hearing stories leisurely unfolded, like a slowly simmered stew.
Tea is not simply a leaf or region, nor only a taste of bitter or sweet, or a feeling in the mouth.
It is an unfolding connection between plants and rain, mountains and mist. It is woven from the conversations of soils and insects, sweltering afternoons of sun, and moonless nights of dark.
Tea is an opportunity for connection, and therein lays its deep nourishment.