The Ancient Art of Making Tea: “Do not despise the snake for having no horns, for who is to say it will not become a dragon!”
For those old enough to recall the 1976 TV show The Water Margin the opening works spoken by Burt Kwouk will be well remembered. Over time my memory told me however, that he had said, “Just because a snake has no wings who is to say it will not become a dragon!”
Factually wrong yes but still the meaning is true for we can develop into something more than at first we thought we could, given time, patience and a little bit of hard work. In many ways it is not too far-fetched to compare the ancient art of tea making with our own path mental wellbeing and life. For with the right tools and the clear instructions we too can develop our lives and wellbeing to make the perfect product.
With the willingness to learn, the mental capacity to change we can make life so much richer and better for ourselves. The journey of making and drinking tea surely serves as a universal metaphor for mental well-being, mindfulness, and the human life cycle. Throughout the centuries many cultures have fine tuned the ancient traditions of “Tea Making” to develop the perfect brew, the slow, intentional steps in the tea making process can directly mirror the emotional and psychological tools that are needed to navigate life.
Bring together the cup and pot is like learning to develop our understanding as to what is causing the issue we may be experiencing in life. Adding the water is akin to the perfect ingredients for the right tools are available to now help to find the right ways to resolve the issue we may be experiencing. Boiling the tea requires the heat to activate the leaf’s just as life’s stresses can test our boundaries, forcing us discover our hidden inner strengths.
Letting the tea to Stew reflect on how well-being relies on our ability to pause, reflect, and allow things to unfold naturally without forcing the issue. If we drink the tea too soon it can burn if we leave it too late it can be cold, flat and unpalatable. The final pour from the pot shows us how the water and the leaf can change the colour and flavour of the water to something new and refreshing.
By learning to make and enjoy the tea (life), we are developing a better understanding of life, ourselves and others. Positiveness develops and enriches us in so many ways and in turn this change can enrich others too. Our Cup must be empty before we can receive more tea. This reflects that we need to at first clear the clutter of our minds, empty ourselves of everyday stresses, reset our boundaries to actively recharge ourselves.
We would not readily continue to pour tea into an overflowing cup. Just as in life we shouldn’t expect to continue to add more and more stress to ourselves. Having the right ingredients, and the correct tools I firmly believe we too can develop and change from a figurative snake into a dragon.
All we have to do is unfurl our wings and allow ourselves to be the dragon we know we can truly be.
Gregory Quinn Brennan 05/10/2026
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Our next Day of Healing will be on Saturday the 17th of October, 10.00am to 1.30pm at Crosby Library.
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For any that are struggling, suffering, Spiritually or Physically lost or have questions, come in and see us. It is always worth reaching out!
Those who are grieving or on the golden mile with a loved one returning to spirit. Any that have had ill effects from yoga who wish to understand more.
If you feel forgotten, overlooked or put others in front of yourself, then please come along, let us put your first.
All treatment and help on the day is free of charge, we do accept donations if offered. Any donations are used to fund our days and provide refreshments for all our visitors.
Pop in for a cuppa and piece of home made cake and see what we are about.
You will be able to find more information on the links below or: lifebalanceliverpool. If you have any questions or want to know more get in touch. Below are some links for those who are lost and to support the article and what we do.
