Hi! I am Parul. My ancestors are from South Asia and I was born on Turtle Island. I am currently living in Bali, Indonesia. I use poetry, prose, poetic frames to unravel entanglements of our thoughts, feelings and experiences. Call it an evolving decolonization practice that is liberating the many intelligences our existence contains.
☝🏽 I read you this newsletter, or you can read it yourself! 👇🏽
The process of turning tea leaves into dried tea is time full and laborious. Picking, shaking, steaming, rolling, withering, drying, roasting, fermenting are some of the techniques used in traditional tea processing. The processing method changes the shape of the tea, long strands, rolled balls, tea cakes, etc.
When steeping tea, especially rolled tea, it takes times for the tea leaves to unfurl in the hot water. Each steep adding new layers of complexity to the cup.
Tea rarely tastes best in its first steep. Time is a critical ingredient in any tea leaf’s life.
(I prefer the second or third steep. This may sound bizarre if you have not experienced traditionally processed and brewed teas. I was shocked at how richly coloured high quality tea turned within seconds of being steeped in hot water.)
i unfold faster than you think
slower than you desire
— rolled tea
Can we not say the same for life? for a lover? for knowledge? for success?
the warm touch of tea
to my skin, to my heart
channel of soily earth
reaching my core
fragrance of ancient
unveils pieces
only the patient sun
gives space for
Despite the ease that classification offers in our shared language and understanding things. It is important to also acknowledge that classifications create imaginary boundaries. It creates preconceptions and a cause for argument. If held tightly, classifications can limit an experience and world view(s).
The classifications of tea lives primarily on a spectrum of processing methods and location where the tea was grown (the temperament of the land). With ever changing elements and the climate crisis, how can one say the micro climates of geography hold true to grow the type of tea this land once held?
In holding classification of tea lightly, it offers so much wisdom:
It gives space for multiple versions of knowledge to exist (not just scientific or intellectual knowledge), but also intuitive knowings
Non attachment to identity, allowing space for plurality and acceptance of a more whole version of self
Tea embodies the practice of giving itself unconditionally in ways that are innate to its existence. To simply be and to give to yourself.
Tea is a daily practice of self cultivation and awareness.
You need three things to brew tea:
Tea (leaves)
Water
Compassion
What is compassion?
It is reverence for life
It is living in alignment with your heart
It is being in harmony, with nature, with yourself
It is true love
Tea becomes part of you.
Tea becomes our gift.
So… what does steeping yourself look like?
Stay safe and healthy out there.
Much love ❤️ 🤎
Parul
@parulbee
letter 007: tea is just a metaphor for life 🙏🏾🔥🌱😄