By: Shad Chancey

I love the feeling that good tea gives so generously to my soul. When you get it, you get it. Before I submerged myself into the world of fine tea, I just would order a glass of iced tea at a restaurant and not think much about it. I never thought about tea when I entered a coffee shop. I toured the Celestial Seasonings Tea plant a few times when living in Colorado, but still didn’t get the “bug.” Learning about the beautifully complex Camellia Sinensis plant is truly mind-blowing! There is just so much history wrapped around tea and this magical plant. Fresh leaves of the Camellia Sinensis are used to produce up to 1500+ different types of tea!

I really enjoy learning about the growing process and the cultivation of the leaves. It’s fascinating to me that herbal teas aren’t truly tea. Herbal tea is not a true type of tea simply because it has not been derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. They are an infusion of pure herb, or blend of different herbs. It’s all about Camellia Sinensis, which includes as many as 82 named species and mainly distributed in the mainland of South-East Asia. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world – next to that of water.

Another aspect of tea I find intriguing is the “Art of Tea.” I feel the true connection between the spirit and the ceremony of tea. It’s a Zen-like experience.

Everyone involved is vibrating on a pleasant and peaceful plane. The stress of the day literally melts away with that first sip. The tea community seems like a very open and accepting group. The people I’ve met in this diverse culture are all so unique and interesting. It feels nice to be a part of this enchanting world.

I like being a newbie in the world of tea because my mind isn’t jaded yet. I can enjoy the cheaper brands without being snooty about it. I hope I can always maintain this mindset even when my tea knowledge is at an optimum level. I catch myself already seeking out higher-end leaves.

I would love to hear about your tea jouney and what teas make your soul shine! Please leave your story in the comments below. Bottoms up teaheads!