Tea Here Now: Relax And Rejuvenate With a Tea Lifestyle - Rituals, Remedies, And Meditiations

by Donna Fellman, Lhasha Tizer, James Norwood Pratt (Foreword)

Tea Here Now demonstrates how tea and the simple act of preparing a cup of tea can give drinkers a taste of enlightenment. Written for the average person who wishes to infuse accessible, uncomplicated spirituality and mindfulness into his or her tea drinking, the book explores the health benefits, spiritual practices, and lifestyle-enhancing properties associated with the world's major blends, in the process creating a practical guidebook for the "tea lifestyle." Topics include the little-known history and mythology of tea, the health benefits, information on tea blends, tips and techniques for brewing the best cup, spiritual and meditation practices that complement and enhance tea drinking, practical ideas for carrying the spirit of tea into all aspects of one’s life (relationships, business, mental health, etc.), old and new rituals to bring meaning and enjoyment to tea drinking, food pairings for tea, and inspirational quotes.

Genres: Tea, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2005

Reviews

[Pamela Hamon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are curious or working to figure out how to bring the theory of a daily tea mindfulness practice in to reality, this would be the book for you. While this book contextualizes some of the traditional Japanese and Chinese tea ceremonies and practices, it provides a framework for using a tea practice as a centering point to develop mindfulness. The first half of the book speaks more to the history of tea in a health, wellness, and mindfulness context across cultures. The second half of the book provides some step by step guidelines you can work and play with to help you develop you own setting, methods, and personal expression of how a tea mindfulness practice manifests for you.

[Miranda Makowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a warm hug which is honestly what I needed. I don't care that it's not a work of literary genius. Reading it felt meditative and soothing. I especially liked the historical excerpts.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Tea Here Now,” by Donna Fellman & Lhasha Tizer

I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book which went over some of the history and preparation methods of tea. I enjoyed being introduced to the Asian tea rituals as well, but the book seemed to become redundant toward the second half with the discussion of harmony and enlightenment that can come from these rituals, making taking tea sound almost Yoga-like. That’s when I gave up on the book, just like I did with Yoga. I guess meditation is just beyond me. I ended up skimming the last half.

[Jessica Loomis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad; it just wasn't what I wanted. I wanted a meaty, heavy guide to tea, herbs, and spices with a focus on how to blend them for flavor, aroma, and health. I want to know how lavender or catnip or hibiscus are good for the body, what purposes they serve, and what blends well with them. This book wasn't much help there, so the quest for the perfect tea book continues.

[Samira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just placed an order for this book the other day
and I can't wait to read it. I'm going to be attending
school soon & Donna will be my professor.

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another of my 2018 Study of Tea books.

Practical information and advice. Solid understanding and explanation of tea, especially leaning towards the Japanese tea tradition. Also great list of resources (and what you'll gain from them) at the back of the book. I've leaned on this recommendation list heavily to get my next tea reads in hand.

I'll come back to this book to get more out of my tea experience over time.

(Bonus: No wacky, supernatural explanations in this one. Though a deep respect is present throughout. Perfect.)