The Subtle Charm of Tea

There is a subtle charm in the taste of tea

which makes it irresistible

and capable of idealization.

It has not the arrogance of wine, the self-consciousness of coffee, nor the simpering innocence of cocoa.

~Okaura Kakuzo, Tea Master, Author, Poet

People don't send note cards often anymore. Now, they barely e-mail. Tweet in 140 characters or less is more the aptitude these days.  This quote would be too long even to tweet, but the sentiment expresses how I feel about tea.  So, I've put it on a note card and send it out whenever I get the chance. 

There is a subtle charm in tea.  Perhaps that is why it is missed by so many who must be bombarded with intensity before they "get" a thing.  Tea is subtle.  Tea is balanced.  While it has caffeine which provides alertness; it has L-theanine which lends calm.  No major jolt, just a pleasant relaxed focus.  Yet, within the subtle charms of tea exist a mighty power.  When life has us frazzled, it's tea that we reach for to comfort and calm, give us clarity, and bring us back to center again. 

While there are over 10,000 (or more?--I read varying numbers on this) varieties of tea to be enjoyed, there is a simplicity to tea that invites all, from peasants to kings and queens. Yet, there is a deep complexity in tea's subtle flavors, and one could spend a lifetime exploring.  There are less fruitful ways to spend one's time, and I can think of no better pursuit than to look forward to that next cup of tea.