You are, most probably, a coffee drinker. Maybe you are also thinking that tea is just for when you are sick. And I don't blame you. Besides, coffee gives you energy, helps you wake up, etc. etc.
I, myself, I hate coffee. I know... How dare me! And, surprisingly, I was a goddamn good barista for quite some time. However, no matter how sexy my cappuccinos used to be, my path brought me to the extraordinary world of herbs.
Roughly ten years ago I dedicated my life to these tiny, colourful creatures, and they have never disappointed me. From learning their medicinal properties, to flavour profiles and how to brew the best cup of tea, herbs became for me these wise little teachers that guide me in all areas of my life.
Here's the 5 lessons I have learned while making a cup of tea (or a thousand :p):
- Patience: When it comes to tea, or life, you can't rush things. You can't force the herbs to steep faster, like you can't force things to happen when the time is not right. Take a deep breath and be patient.
- Persistence: Your first, made from scratch, cup of tea is gonna suck. And the second. And the third. It takes time to learn how to pair the flavours, the ratios, the water temperature... It also takes time to achieve your goals and succeed. But I promise you this: if you keep trying, wonders do happen!
- Balance: You need exactly one spoon of a complementary herb for every two spoons of base to keep the balance. The same principle should be applied in real life: for every hour of hard work, we need at least two hours to relax and have fun to avoid burn-out. Working hard is good, however we are not robots. Balance above all.
- Adaptability: Let's be honest... There comes a time that you can't find a specific herb in the supermarket, and it's too expensive to order online. So, what do you do? It's simple, my friend. You just replace it with another one that has similar properties and flavour! So, if your current plan doesn't lead you anywhere so far just change it ;)
- Self-regulation: Try boiling water while you're angry or sad. It might sound strange, but it's gonna taste terrible. Many studies have already shown that our vibrations can actually alter the water inside a container. So, imagine what's happening in our own bodies since we are made of 70% water! It's not healthy to suppress your emotions, however you can learn how to regulate them with inner work. And regulating your emotions it's the first step to actual changes towards a fulfilling life.
In conclusion, a cup of tea might not seem important but you can actually compare it to your own self. Made from different components, giving awesome flavours when the conditions are ideal and taste terrible when they are not. Just like you. To thrive, to succeed, to become who you want to be, sometimes you have to treat yourself like a cup of tea; all 5 lessons are needed.
