The Melting Teapot

One sip and sleep is washed away, and the mind sees the world clearly

Another sip and my spirit is cleansed, like showers dampening the dust

With the third sip, I attain the Way--what need is there to fret about troubles?

(Master Jiaoran, Tang Dynasty)

My morning began in a drowsy blur, and I just couldn’t clear my head. This is generally the time I stumble and bumble through making a pot of black tea for my morning cuppa, but today something different was required. I needed simplicity, clarity, and eye-opening aroma. The morning was calling for a cup of fragrant baozhong.

I turned the kettle on, pulled out my dwindling stash of Farmer’s Choice Baozhong from Floating Leaves Tea, and chose one of my favorite gaiwans.

Mmmmmmmm. . . the steam rises from the gaiwan, and the air becomes fragrant with subtle blossoms and the green notes of spring. With just one sip of the fruity, floral tea, my body relaxes and I begin to smile. . . three or four gaiwan cupfuls later, my mind has cleared and I’m now ready to face the day.