Thank you for sharing tea with me! I cherish the opportunity to keep sharing tea and this dear practice of stillness, presence, simply beauty and inner cultivation with others. I'm honored to be able to offer a restful, slow, silent space to connect inward and with tea and one another. This daily practice has enriched and blessed my life in so many ways, ranging from very subtle to very big life changing moves.
Here are some of my favorite teas, tea ware and places I have found guidance on my tea journey. I follow the path of Cha Dao ~ the Way of Tea. Whether you're beginning your tea practice, or are deepening into it, may you always find solace and presence in a warm cup of tea.
Tea:
Living Tea - based in Colorado
Where I get most of my tea. I really trust their sourcing, relationships, and way they run their buisness. They are developing a really sweet community. They have weekly tea tips, a book club and free classes/talks on youtube.
use my code "STILLWATER" in the promo/discount box at checkout for 15% off. I get a small commission too, it's a win-win!
my favorites are: Ocean Moon Puerh, Panacea Red Tea, Golden Lily Milk Oolong, Vaulted Canopy Puerh with Osmanthus, Vaporous Light Jasmine Green Tea
Living Tea also has Puerh club, a monthly subscription where they send you a new exclusive puerh to try. And my favorite - the seasonal tea club. Every 3 months they send you 4 teas to drink appropriate to the season, with an informative write up.
https://www.livingtea.net/collections/all-tea
Global Tea Hut - based in Taiwan
An incredible resource for tea, community, teachings and everything tea related. They have been my biggest inspiration on my tea journey. They have beautiful relationships with tea farmers and I appreciate their philosophies on growing tea. Check out their monthly tea magizine, and they have in depth courses about tea on their site.
My favorite teas I've tried are Threshold Puerh, Evening Sky Purple Dian Hong, Wandering Star Dian Hong, Joy Aged Red Tea, Oud Puerh, Jasmine Wind Oolong.
Teaware:
You don't need to spend a fortune on beautiful teaware to have a valuable tea practice, although most of us end up collecting our precious pots and adornments over time. You can just start with a small bowl you already own, some tea leaves and hot water. Start with what you have and keep learning thru direct practice and guidance from tea community.
For those establishing a daily practice I recommend looking into Living Tea's Ritual Kit: https://www.livingtea.net/collections/all-tea/products/living-tea-ritual-kit
I started with a travel set and thermos devoted to just hot water, which is low cost and easy to start brewing with. Plus it barely takes up any shelf space! I recommend searching etsy or online for a travel tea set - like this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4521757312/rustic-japanese-kungfu-tea-set-handmade?ref=elp_anchor_listing&pro=1&frs=1
For clay kettles, teapots, chabus and cups Global Tea Hut is my go to. The shipping is pricey but worth it! Here's a link to my favorite kettle:
https://globalteahut.org/products/cloud-kettle#
Petr Novak - handmade teaware. My bigger tea bowls are from him
https://www.potsandtea.com
Clare Fawn - handmade teaware and hand dyed chabu
https://www.clarefawn.com
Resources:
Global Tea Hut and Living Tea have informational videos on tea, spirituality, brewing techniques in youtube. Also check out their Instagrams. I would recommend signing up for their email newsletters, they have a lot of info there.
Life of Tea podcast by Global Tea Hut
Seasonal Tea Magazine by Global Tea Hut
Tea courses by Global Tea Hut