Tuesday September 22, 2009 | 6 comments
I’ve been reading some articles recently about how “modern conveniences” – everything from packaged foods to cameras to social networking – have made people lose touch with actual experiences in favor of simply checking the box and moving on. When I was in Paris a couple years ago, I saw this phenomenon in every museum – instead of stopping to look at and absorb the beauty of the paintings and sculptures, people simply 
paused long enough to take a photo and move on. I spent a lot of time wondering what, exactly, they were going to do with the photos – bore their friends and family with a slideshow showing the backs of peoples’ heads looking at famous art works?
More recently, I’ve read a few pieces noting how social networking may actually make people less connected with their friends and family – they’re so wrapped up in updating their statuses that they don’t take the time to sit down and talk with the person who is right there in front of them. There was also a great – if rather long – article in the New York Times discussing how we’ve moved from a culture of people who cook to a culture of people who open boxes and cans and call it cooking, but love to watch cooking shows on TV.
With all of this information percolating in my brain, I went off to make a pot of tea, and realized that even as there is a “slow food” movement happening as a backlash to all these “conveniences”, tea is the perfect “slow beverage”. Although there are ways to speed up the brewing of tea (I haven’t found a good one yet), taking the time to make tea is a refreshing pause at any time of day.
Many others have written about the mindfulness that brewing tea evokes, as well as the calm that comes from taking the time to sip and enjoy a cup of tea. But what I love about tea goes beyond those aspects – I think that having taken the time to explore and enjoy good-quality loose-leaf tea, I enjoy seeking out foods that complement my favorite beverage.
I’ve always had a huge sweet tooth, and liked nothing more than sitting down with some cookies and tea. But since I’ve moved almost exclusively to loose-leaf tea, I’ve found that packaged cookies don’t seem to match the tea in delicacy of flavor – and so I usually end up making them myself. Shortbread is incredibly easy to make, and always goes well with tea (I wrote before about pairing rosemary shortbread with Darjeeling tea). Or a lovely lemon pound cake with some Earl Grey tea makes a great snack when chatting with a friend. Not to mention how well home-made mushroom quiche goes with a lovely amber oolong.
So as I continue in my tea journey, I’ll enjoy the time it takes to brew a proper pot of tea, because it gives me a bit of time to think about the food – slow or otherwise – that I can make to go with it.
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I can agree with a statement that I once heard: “The experience is more valuable than the artifact.” And it is true that tea is a slow food. I even think that cold tea is rather similar to a raw food just because it isn’t necessary to drink it perfectly hot. However, I don’t agree that the Internet doesn’t truly connect people or that it takes away from “real” relationships. The idea that it’s virtual space isn’t very relevant anymore. The truth is, society would collapse without the Internet, and online friendships are a part of what’s holding together the world. Personally, I won’t go without them. For me, tea goes with the Internet. –Spirituality of Tea
I agree with both of you! Nancy points out important points about our hectic life style although Jason’s perspective has merit. I have found myself at the computer with my brewed cup of tea sending an email to friends back east. I suspect the point however is about time. We do not take enough time to cultivate our relationships in our immediate environment. I agree with Nancy that tea provides an excellent medium to slow ourselves down and share, in a very concrete way, the simple pleasure of this ancient beverage.
Having been at a recent family gathering, my niece and husband- I”m sorry to say- were often away from the group – checking email and such on their computers. Cell phones were ever present, ringing day and night. I’m going to suggest that at our next family gathering – no phones or computers allowed – my fear is that no one, under the age of 50, will attend.
I’m with all of you in some ways for various reasons. I think it boils down to what kind of lifestyle you are happy with at any given time. We have a brewing process that draws 5 star ratings on consumer review boards because of the taste more than the time. People are unable to wait for tea to brew if they’re on a 10-minute break or a lunch half hour. There are other times when they can brew it in any number of traditional and nontraditional ways that take longer. And batching tea is simply unthinkable in terms of taste; thinking of brewed tea sitting in a big drum or container dying and losing antioxidants and tastes makes me shudder.
But many people seem to actually enjoy the faster paced lifestyle and, for them, it’s all about efficiency. It’s not good or bad either way; more of whatever is ‘your cup of tea.’ The longer I live, the more I see that there are so many options and so many differences in personality, lifestyle, tastes and I feel more and more inclined to let people enjoy life and experiences in the way that best suits their needs/wants/likes at the time.
The piece made me feel good about slowing down and smelling the roses.. I’d love to slow down and smell the roses more but this time in life is about sowing the fields. The slow food movement is great and slow beverage is great. And I think sometimes that relationships formed via the Internet are ‘fantasy’ relationships because most will never meet, but also believe that the anonymity, persay, allows people to say things they really feel but wouldn’t say in a face to face relationship.
P.S. Earl Grey and lemon pound cake…YUM!
Diane – you are so right about your comment regarding how writing allows people to say how they really feel but might be uncomfortable sharing face to face. I remember how intimate “pen pals” were years ago. My sister married a Vietnam vet whom she had been writing to for some time. I doubt they would have moved forward with their relationship if he had to relate to her initially in person.
Thanks, everyone, for the great perspectives. Diane, I would love to experience your brewing method–I’m going back to work full-time next week & don’t want to have to go back to tea bags out of desperation!
Just for the record, I’m not against social networking–I’ve found it hugely beneficial (and entertaining) for everything from my job search, to connecting with tea people like you all, to getting back in touch with old friends and classmates. I was really just observing how it’s changed the way people interact.
I love the push & pull of “modern conveniences”, but do cherish the time I spend brewing & drinking tea!
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