A Cup of Tea: A Lesson in Life

Growing up, I never gave much thought to the small but intentional rituals that shaped my father’s mornings. Each day, without fail, he would carefully prepare a cup of Japanese green tea. I watched him, fascinated by the precision with which he handled each step—warming the hot water to exactly the right temperature, steeping the leaves for exactly the right time, lifting the tea strainer with steady care, allowing the last drops to settle before setting it aside, appreciating the vibrant green colour before taking sips. He would sit in quiet contemplation, savoring each sip as though absorbing something greater than just the tea itself.

It wasn’t until years later that I truly understood the significance of those moments. My father, a businessman who lived and worked in Japan, had cultivated a way of life that balanced discipline with celebration, vitality with enjoyment. He exercised every day—not by jogging, but by moving with intention, whether through a strenuous task or a long, purposeful walk. He drank sake or scotch every evening—not to escape, but to honour the day’s efforts and share in life’s abundance. Even his cigarette, enjoyed with ceremony rather than mindless habit, was part of this intricate dance of awareness.

And then, there was his tea.

The Science Behind Japanese Green Tea

For my father, tea wasn’t just a drink—it was his morning ritual, a meditation of sorts to start the day, a moment of connection with the present, a deliberate pause in an otherwise chaotic and demanding world. But beyond its meditative allure, Japanese green tea offers remarkable health benefits, particularly due to its high concentrations of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and theanine.

Understanding Green Tea’s Power: Unlike black or oolong tea, which are made from the same Camellia sinensis plant but undergo oxidation, green tea is steamed to retain its natural properties. This preservation locks in antioxidants, the most potent being EGCG. This compound has been widely studied for its ability to combat free radicals—unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress, contributing to aging, cellular damage, and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. EGCG has been found to be more effective than vitamin C and more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals.

Another key compound, theanine, is an amino acid unique to green tea, and one of my favourite supplements. I love how it calms the mind while enhancing focus, creating the perfect balance between relaxation and alertness. Research shows that theanine positively influences key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, promoting a state of mental clarity and reducing anxiety.

While green tea contains caffeine, the presence of theanine counterbalances it, promoting a state of relaxed alertness rather than jittery stimulation. This explains why monks in Japan have long used green tea to aid in meditation—it sharpens focus while maintaining a sense of calm.

I see now that my father’s tea-drinking was more than just a habit; it was an expression of his philosophy—intentional living, balance, and appreciation for the small but significant moments. His approach to health, though unconventional, embodies a principle often overlooked: wellness is not about rigid rules, but about the harmony between effort and enjoyment.

When I drink tea, I reflect on his way of living—moving with purpose, honoring daily achievements, and embracing intention. Japanese green tea itself serves as a reminder of balance, offering antioxidants to combat stress, theanine to promote calm focus, and a tradition that encourages mindfulness.

After all, life—like a good cup of green tea—is best savoured slowly.

Note: My family and I like to stock up on tea whenever we’re in Japan, but when that’s not an option, we order high quality green tea from www.o-cha.com Organic Chiran tea is our go-to! Make sure to review the brewing instructions for the different teas - this can make all the difference.

Want the benefits of green tea in supplement form for stress and focus?

Ask me about my favorite L-theanine supplement.