For years, tea has been part of my daily life and for a few months now, I've tasted a lot of tea, learnt about where they come from, and enjoyed introducing people to loose-leaf tea. But recently, I've discovered a way of drinking tea that has completely changed how I experience it.
It's called Gongfu Cha.
Often translated as "making tea with skill", Gongfu Cha isn't about being an expert or getting everything perfect. It's about giving the tea your attention.
Instead of using one teabag or a large teapot, Gongfu Cha uses a small teapot or gaiwan, plenty of loose leaves and several short infusions. The same leaves are brewed again and again, with each cup revealing something new. One infusion might be light and floral, the next richer and creamier, and another deeper and more complex.
It reminds us that good tea has a journey to take us on.
What I love most is how naturally this way of making tea encourages us to slow down. You begin to notice the small things: the aroma of the dry leaves, the sound of the water being poured, the way the leaves slowly unfurl, and how the flavours evolve from one infusion to the next.
You don't have to call it mindfulness, but it's certainly mindful.
There's no expectation to clear your mind or meditate. Instead, tea becomes an anchor for your attention. For an hour, the outside world can wait while you simply enjoy what's in front of you.
That's exactly what inspired me to create my own Mindful Gongfu Cha Sessions.
These aren't formal tea ceremonies or meditation classes. They're relaxed, friendly sessions for anyone who'd like to experience traditional tea at a slower pace.
Together, we'll explore three carefully chosen teas from the same family, perhaps a journey through floral to roasted oolongs, or an exploration of the changing character of pu-erh. Along the way, I'll share a little about each tea's history, where it comes from and how it's traditionally prepared.
There'll be plenty of time to sip, ask questions, chat if you'd like to, or simply sit quietly and enjoy the experience. There are no experts, no expectations and no right or wrong way to taste tea.
At the end of each session, you'll take home the teas we've explored, so you can continue your own tea journey and recreate the experience in your own time.
If you've ever wondered what makes traditional loose-leaf tea so special, or simply fancy slowing down for an hour with a good cup of tea and good company, I'd love for you to join me.
The first sessions will be announced soon, and I can't wait to share this journey with you.
Lou