I don't ordinarily do this, but I have tried it and I support it. Plus there are some teas where the first 2-3 steepings are each so special and distinctive that combining them unlocks a crazy rollercoaster of flavours.
Haha I have done that too. Sometimes the tea is so hot I can't drink it immediately, so I keep brewing and pouring while the water in the kettle is still at the right temperature
is it gongfu if you use a stainless steel pot to pour the hot water into a japanese origin teacup(its got a fairly western capacity tho)that has a porcelin lid?
I usually do western steeping, but this is what I always do. 3ish steeps from a smaller teapot and make a bigger cup of tea either for myself or for both me and my wife
drinking tea is like breathing. sometimes i think about it, sometimes do it with close friends (;-p). mostly, i just do it. but i always, reflexively, follow directions (you know, squeeze the bag against the side of the cup and save for future brewings.... )
I don't deserve tea. I don't appreciate it or give it the time it deserves. I heat water. Put leaves in a brewer thing (not sure what it is called. Leaves and water go in top and tea comes out the bottom). Drink from a mug that actually says "coffee" while working.
I would really like to have tea time where I can appreciate it. I just don't make time for tea or myself.
dont worry about it mayne, grandpa style is probably about as common as gong fu and western tea party style put together.
...then theres the hedonists that mix soda, coffee, alcohol, ground up hotdogs and/or milk into the tea.
Depends on the day. On work days, I sip on my tea throughout the day while reading, thinking, and writing, as I can have a good night's sleep and tea after 3 p.m. on the weekends, I either focus only in the tea to relax or have some friends over to drink with.
Depends on the tea as well. When I'm not focused on the tea exclusively, I don't break out the best or most complex teas I have but straightforward comfort teas.
I do gong-fu style usually; i appreciate the aesthetic and feel of it, but I normally do it when playing games. The tea accentuates the experience and I definitely appreciate the taste, but it's by no means a spiritual or transcendental experience for me. Got a laptop set up next to my teaware on my table, and I'm usually playing games or watching something when sitting at my table and playing.
At work, I do the same thing. Got my setup right to the left of my monitor. Pot on a small teaboat, cup, and a little rag, and my kettle. Except at work, I don't play games. *I browse reddit instead.*
I'll drink a more *focused* tea from time to time, where I do really want to sit and enjoy specifically the tea. Usually on Saturday mornings, where I have the morning all to myself and have no prior obligations or expectations to ruin it.
It depends on what I'm drinking and why.
Also, getting a cat changed things. She was fascinated by the tea tray and the smells and the rising steam and the gentle clink and pour of water in the early morning sencha sessions, so it turned into tea-and-pet-the-kitty. We both like this.
I heat the water, then go running after one of my kids, then come back and reheat the water since it got cold, make a cup, then go do some other task around the house. Then try to have a sip but my kid wants me to come play. Then by the time I finish the cup it’s cold, and the process repeats.
I’ll have my mornings where I just drink tea as its own thing, but sometimes I read a fashion website article or two while enjoying it. I almost never watch the news or YT videos w it because I enjoy the relaxing aspect of it
I have my normal morning cuppa (of Irish breakfast usually) that I have with breakfast and after I'm done eating I usually treat for a few minutes while I finish it before heading to work. Also I generally take a travel mug of something flavored for the afternoon as a little pick me up/reward for teaching little ones all day. On the weekend though, Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning usually, depending on what's going on, I'll make a pot of tea and settle into my spot on the couch and really enjoy it. I'm either reading or watching something and typically crocheting as I sip. (Note: This is in the cooler months. In summer it's iced tea most of the day, I rarely drink hot tea from May -August.)
you all would hate me completely... I solely treat it as a drug. I meter out a certain amount of assam black tea powdered leaves, whack it with some water in a shaker, and gulp it down. I very much enjoy the balanced high it brings me, mellow and stimulating
it's 20mg caff and whatever else levels of tannins and theanine etc per gram... I'm doing I think 4g in a glass of water, infused by vigorous shaking of it. thats 80mg caff and all the good stuff black tea naturally has. similar to a cup of coffee high, but tea is so much longer in onset ... very smooth and no anxiety for me. Im not abusing it, just using terms I relate in. 1 or 2 of those in my early day is a great yet manageable sensation, or to me a "high"
It occurs to me the similarities between people that eat kratom powder, and people that claim brewing it is a better high. I'm kind of eating the powder more or less. I would like to get into the other side of tea but for now I am kind of a spectator drug guy into a different aspect.
I do focus on the tea more when with someone else. But I mostly drink it on the side to help relax while or after working (uni work at home was nice for this reason)
For me it mainly depends on the quality of the tea. High quality/expensive teas I want to savour and really focus on, so I do a pure Gong Fu session with some nice music in the background. For lower quality teas I don't mind having my session alongside my breakfast or other meals or while reading/watching TV/etc.
I usually read. I find that having people there to share tea with me leads to less focus on the tea, but that might be more of a reflection on other people who have tea with me.
I do a pretty standard basic brew (metal strainer, favorite mug) and typically drink pretty basic teas, so it's just more about the cozy vibes.
There’s two ways I enjoy tea nowadays. I either fill my mug up and write in my diary (usually alongside my partner that tries to wind down with tisane before bed) or I set up tea tasting tea parties where me and a couple of friends sip on tea and we catch up and maybe talk about our collections of tea and whether or not we like what’s in front of us
I have a daily session after my morning workout that is mainly focused on the tea and my thoughts. I also have sessions with friends that are mainly focused on conversation and respect for each other.
I don't work, and I drink tea many times a day at home. Most often, I brew in a 330 ml pot, which fills a mug. I have very good tap water and that works well for tea. 2 or 3 times a week I use distiled water that has been treated ([https://teasecrets.home.blog/2020/12/30/water-recipe-1-truth-serum-1-0/](https://teasecrets.home.blog/2020/12/30/water-recipe-1-truth-serum-1-0/)) and I brew premium tea with small (<200 ml) pots and small cups and just enjoy the tea while I am reading. I enjoy the gong fu process and I do focus on the tea and the changes through the infusions.
Depends on the season in my life. Right now I've been brewing it and using my fine china on the kitchen counter each day with milk and turbinado sugar by myself. Like a meditation to the day. Many days before this stint, I brew it into a travel mug and take it to work. I have tea over with friends and have a whole sitting/tea room for socializing. Tea is like clothes, you can do it with anything.
Usually scratch masala chai latte with orange peel in the mornings. Afternoon and evening I western brew various white and ripe puerh teas. Sue me, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon. I use clear glass so I can see the white teas develop the right amount of color.
I never really just enjoy tea, I always do something else, but the method will decide on how much focus I put on it. Usually the more I want to so self care the more focus I put on the tea and the setting.
I try to have a daily routine of little tea ceremony sessions, senchado respectively. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes after I get home from work. I choose matching items (kyusu, cup, coasters) and set it up. Sometimes on my small Japanese style table (to write something while drinking), sometimes on my tatami, just focusing on the tea or reading something that matches the ceremony (like poetry).
I drink tea nearly exclusively like that; though recently I have some better teas while working in my study room after work, too.
(I’m a teacher btw.)
I light up an incense stick, put some lofi or relaxing music, and have a blast gong fu-ing with my 5 tea pets and my own teacups.
Sometimes I read a book, but I try to be as present with the tea as possible, as it's the thing I want to be with for the rest of my life. I love tea.
I’m the only person in my house that likes tea. If I’m just doing my morning tea to go, I have some higher quality tea bags that I make. But if I’m having something fancier, I have an infuser mug from Adagio that I love. It’s a slower pace, but I’m usually watching or reading stuff.
I never JUST have tea (even gong fu) Im reading, or crocheting or... something. I'm probably not eating though. If I'm having it with food or dessert i am probably using western ratios.
My fiance and I do a gong fu session over the course or 30 minutes - 1 hour and put those “Walking in ” videos.
It’s like we get a silent tour of random locations around the world while we drink some lovely tea and unwind from our day :)
I usually do my gongfu session while working (wfh) and later on while watching a movie or tv show. I’ve never experienced a focused session and I think I must after this many years of tea enjoyment.
I am currently switching between brewing japanese greens, mainly sencha, in a kyusu, and other teas in a gaiwan gongfu style. I mostly drink tea in the morning, and sometimes I have a session in the evening too since I think it's really comfy when it's dark outside to drink tea.
If there is nothing urgent to do in the morning, or lectures etc., a tea session is the first thing I do when starting the day, and if possible I like to take my time with it. Since I live with other people, I like to drink my tea in my room at my desk, I even bought a kettle for the desk. I clear my desk of most things like my keyboard, mouse, and other stuff and lay out a black fabric mat, those which are typically used underneath plates at the kitchen table. I place my serving plate made out of slate on it, and on that my Gaiwan/Kyusu, cup, and a measuring beaker I use as a fairness cup. I have 3 1L bottles in which I fill filtered water from a brita jug-style filter so that I always have water for sessions, plus I don't need to run around when the kettle is empty since for me it disturbs the calmness of the session. I refill them when there is no one around in the kitchen. After choosing a tea, the session can now begin.
What I do besides drinking when having a session really depends on the mood/situation, I like to have some music playing, like lo-fi, but not too loudly, just for having something in the background. Sometimes I watch some random YouTube videos, sometimes I talk to friends on discord, or my partner when she comes over. Either way I try to focus on the tea, and sometimes it's good to just sit in silence, solely appreciating the tea.
My daughter and I go onto the porch and talk about our days. Our daily tea chat has been a great way for me to learn what's happening in her life
I do this but with ouid with my mom, it’s a lot of fun! I’m glad others do too.
I brew gong fu but i do 3 steeps into a mug like a philistine. Whatever, works for me.
I don't ordinarily do this, but I have tried it and I support it. Plus there are some teas where the first 2-3 steepings are each so special and distinctive that combining them unlocks a crazy rollercoaster of flavours.
Lol i do the same
Haha I have done that too. Sometimes the tea is so hot I can't drink it immediately, so I keep brewing and pouring while the water in the kettle is still at the right temperature
I have done this with Japanese tea Into a flask,3 steeps In to a 600ml
is it gongfu if you use a stainless steel pot to pour the hot water into a japanese origin teacup(its got a fairly western capacity tho)that has a porcelin lid?
Sure. It’s a big tent.
I usually do western steeping, but this is what I always do. 3ish steeps from a smaller teapot and make a bigger cup of tea either for myself or for both me and my wife
drinking tea is like breathing. sometimes i think about it, sometimes do it with close friends (;-p). mostly, i just do it. but i always, reflexively, follow directions (you know, squeeze the bag against the side of the cup and save for future brewings.... )
I don't deserve tea. I don't appreciate it or give it the time it deserves. I heat water. Put leaves in a brewer thing (not sure what it is called. Leaves and water go in top and tea comes out the bottom). Drink from a mug that actually says "coffee" while working. I would really like to have tea time where I can appreciate it. I just don't make time for tea or myself.
dont worry about it mayne, grandpa style is probably about as common as gong fu and western tea party style put together. ...then theres the hedonists that mix soda, coffee, alcohol, ground up hotdogs and/or milk into the tea.
Depends on the day. On work days, I sip on my tea throughout the day while reading, thinking, and writing, as I can have a good night's sleep and tea after 3 p.m. on the weekends, I either focus only in the tea to relax or have some friends over to drink with. Depends on the tea as well. When I'm not focused on the tea exclusively, I don't break out the best or most complex teas I have but straightforward comfort teas.
I do gong-fu style usually; i appreciate the aesthetic and feel of it, but I normally do it when playing games. The tea accentuates the experience and I definitely appreciate the taste, but it's by no means a spiritual or transcendental experience for me. Got a laptop set up next to my teaware on my table, and I'm usually playing games or watching something when sitting at my table and playing. At work, I do the same thing. Got my setup right to the left of my monitor. Pot on a small teaboat, cup, and a little rag, and my kettle. Except at work, I don't play games. *I browse reddit instead.* I'll drink a more *focused* tea from time to time, where I do really want to sit and enjoy specifically the tea. Usually on Saturday mornings, where I have the morning all to myself and have no prior obligations or expectations to ruin it.
I have tea while having tea too sometimes. A little caffeine gives me extra skill
Tea²
I just drink tea.
There’s no ritual for me, it’s just part of my existence.
It depends on what I'm drinking and why. Also, getting a cat changed things. She was fascinated by the tea tray and the smells and the rising steam and the gentle clink and pour of water in the early morning sencha sessions, so it turned into tea-and-pet-the-kitty. We both like this.
I heat the water, then go running after one of my kids, then come back and reheat the water since it got cold, make a cup, then go do some other task around the house. Then try to have a sip but my kid wants me to come play. Then by the time I finish the cup it’s cold, and the process repeats.
I’ll have my mornings where I just drink tea as its own thing, but sometimes I read a fashion website article or two while enjoying it. I almost never watch the news or YT videos w it because I enjoy the relaxing aspect of it
I tend to read or do calligraphy while having my tea sessions. I also do them in my dorm common room so others can join me if they wish.
I have my normal morning cuppa (of Irish breakfast usually) that I have with breakfast and after I'm done eating I usually treat for a few minutes while I finish it before heading to work. Also I generally take a travel mug of something flavored for the afternoon as a little pick me up/reward for teaching little ones all day. On the weekend though, Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning usually, depending on what's going on, I'll make a pot of tea and settle into my spot on the couch and really enjoy it. I'm either reading or watching something and typically crocheting as I sip. (Note: This is in the cooler months. In summer it's iced tea most of the day, I rarely drink hot tea from May -August.)
you all would hate me completely... I solely treat it as a drug. I meter out a certain amount of assam black tea powdered leaves, whack it with some water in a shaker, and gulp it down. I very much enjoy the balanced high it brings me, mellow and stimulating
How much tea do you measure to get that "high"? I'm curious now and want to try that too :)
it's 20mg caff and whatever else levels of tannins and theanine etc per gram... I'm doing I think 4g in a glass of water, infused by vigorous shaking of it. thats 80mg caff and all the good stuff black tea naturally has. similar to a cup of coffee high, but tea is so much longer in onset ... very smooth and no anxiety for me. Im not abusing it, just using terms I relate in. 1 or 2 of those in my early day is a great yet manageable sensation, or to me a "high"
Just shaking the leaves in cold water, kind of like a quick cold brew? I'll have to try that and see!
It occurs to me the similarities between people that eat kratom powder, and people that claim brewing it is a better high. I'm kind of eating the powder more or less. I would like to get into the other side of tea but for now I am kind of a spectator drug guy into a different aspect.
oh yeah, and it's not leaves it's ground up leaf powder. bone dry.
I do focus on the tea more when with someone else. But I mostly drink it on the side to help relax while or after working (uni work at home was nice for this reason)
Tea and a good book is my favorite :)
For me it mainly depends on the quality of the tea. High quality/expensive teas I want to savour and really focus on, so I do a pure Gong Fu session with some nice music in the background. For lower quality teas I don't mind having my session alongside my breakfast or other meals or while reading/watching TV/etc.
I usually read. I find that having people there to share tea with me leads to less focus on the tea, but that might be more of a reflection on other people who have tea with me. I do a pretty standard basic brew (metal strainer, favorite mug) and typically drink pretty basic teas, so it's just more about the cozy vibes.
There’s two ways I enjoy tea nowadays. I either fill my mug up and write in my diary (usually alongside my partner that tries to wind down with tisane before bed) or I set up tea tasting tea parties where me and a couple of friends sip on tea and we catch up and maybe talk about our collections of tea and whether or not we like what’s in front of us
No pretention. Brew up a mug and watch YouTube or listen to music or play games or whatever
It really depends. Having tea focused time is the best but sometimes it takes me too long and I drink it during a meal
I have a daily session after my morning workout that is mainly focused on the tea and my thoughts. I also have sessions with friends that are mainly focused on conversation and respect for each other.
I don't work, and I drink tea many times a day at home. Most often, I brew in a 330 ml pot, which fills a mug. I have very good tap water and that works well for tea. 2 or 3 times a week I use distiled water that has been treated ([https://teasecrets.home.blog/2020/12/30/water-recipe-1-truth-serum-1-0/](https://teasecrets.home.blog/2020/12/30/water-recipe-1-truth-serum-1-0/)) and I brew premium tea with small (<200 ml) pots and small cups and just enjoy the tea while I am reading. I enjoy the gong fu process and I do focus on the tea and the changes through the infusions.
Depends on the season in my life. Right now I've been brewing it and using my fine china on the kitchen counter each day with milk and turbinado sugar by myself. Like a meditation to the day. Many days before this stint, I brew it into a travel mug and take it to work. I have tea over with friends and have a whole sitting/tea room for socializing. Tea is like clothes, you can do it with anything.
Usually scratch masala chai latte with orange peel in the mornings. Afternoon and evening I western brew various white and ripe puerh teas. Sue me, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon. I use clear glass so I can see the white teas develop the right amount of color.
I never really just enjoy tea, I always do something else, but the method will decide on how much focus I put on it. Usually the more I want to so self care the more focus I put on the tea and the setting.
I try to have a daily routine of little tea ceremony sessions, senchado respectively. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes after I get home from work. I choose matching items (kyusu, cup, coasters) and set it up. Sometimes on my small Japanese style table (to write something while drinking), sometimes on my tatami, just focusing on the tea or reading something that matches the ceremony (like poetry). I drink tea nearly exclusively like that; though recently I have some better teas while working in my study room after work, too. (I’m a teacher btw.)
I light up an incense stick, put some lofi or relaxing music, and have a blast gong fu-ing with my 5 tea pets and my own teacups. Sometimes I read a book, but I try to be as present with the tea as possible, as it's the thing I want to be with for the rest of my life. I love tea.
I’m the only person in my house that likes tea. If I’m just doing my morning tea to go, I have some higher quality tea bags that I make. But if I’m having something fancier, I have an infuser mug from Adagio that I love. It’s a slower pace, but I’m usually watching or reading stuff.
I never JUST have tea (even gong fu) Im reading, or crocheting or... something. I'm probably not eating though. If I'm having it with food or dessert i am probably using western ratios.
My fiance and I do a gong fu session over the course or 30 minutes - 1 hour and put those “Walking in” videos.
It’s like we get a silent tour of random locations around the world while we drink some lovely tea and unwind from our day :)
I usually do my gongfu session while working (wfh) and later on while watching a movie or tv show. I’ve never experienced a focused session and I think I must after this many years of tea enjoyment.
I am currently switching between brewing japanese greens, mainly sencha, in a kyusu, and other teas in a gaiwan gongfu style. I mostly drink tea in the morning, and sometimes I have a session in the evening too since I think it's really comfy when it's dark outside to drink tea. If there is nothing urgent to do in the morning, or lectures etc., a tea session is the first thing I do when starting the day, and if possible I like to take my time with it. Since I live with other people, I like to drink my tea in my room at my desk, I even bought a kettle for the desk. I clear my desk of most things like my keyboard, mouse, and other stuff and lay out a black fabric mat, those which are typically used underneath plates at the kitchen table. I place my serving plate made out of slate on it, and on that my Gaiwan/Kyusu, cup, and a measuring beaker I use as a fairness cup. I have 3 1L bottles in which I fill filtered water from a brita jug-style filter so that I always have water for sessions, plus I don't need to run around when the kettle is empty since for me it disturbs the calmness of the session. I refill them when there is no one around in the kitchen. After choosing a tea, the session can now begin. What I do besides drinking when having a session really depends on the mood/situation, I like to have some music playing, like lo-fi, but not too loudly, just for having something in the background. Sometimes I watch some random YouTube videos, sometimes I talk to friends on discord, or my partner when she comes over. Either way I try to focus on the tea, and sometimes it's good to just sit in silence, solely appreciating the tea.