You can buy it on a whim and quickly at the supermarket, prepare it in the microwave without much thought or effort, true, but tea is so much more than just a bag of herbs to brew! In fact, did you know that tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide, coming in a close second to water? England, Egypt, China, Japan – the number of countries where tea holds significant importance is considerable, and the rituals associated with it truly incorporate this beverage into the very fabric of daily life.

Still not convinced? Consider the English tradition of tea time – how essential, symbolic, and passionately cherished this break is by those who observe it. Travel to North African countries: merchants will be quick to offer you a cup of steaming tea to capture your attention and demonstrate their legendary hospitality. Or visit Hong Kong, where you'll be surprised to see restaurants place a teapot at the start of your meal so you can rinse your cutlery. These rituals have become so deeply ingrained in daily life that the habit has become cultural, and tea itself has become an art of living.

Still not convinced? Perhaps we should look to Japan, which has made its tea ceremony a major pillar of its culture. Like haiku, origami, and Japanese decorative and architectural art, the tea ceremony embodies this same sense of elegance and minimalism. This is because, originally, the "way of tea" was practiced by samurai seeking their inner peace amidst a chaotic land. This quest for peace and serenity remains relevant in our fast-paced modern world.

This is why adopting tea as a way of life (chado, the way of tea) allows one to recenter and reconnect with a culture – and with inner peace. Nothing less!