5 Comments

There's certain environments that seems like natural incubators for relaxation and imagination. The level of stimulation is neither high nor low, but moderate and detailed. If it's too high (e.g. watching television) your mind has little room to wander. If it's too low, then it's easy to fall into boredom.

In a tea ceremony, multiple senses are engaged moderately yet deeply -- attention is given to the aroma and appearance of the tea in addition to the subtle notes of the flavor. This also occurs, for example, when sitting by a fireplace, where the feeling of warmth, the sound of crackling, and watching the movement of the flames are all part of the experience. The sensory engagement is vivid and shared among other people in the setting. This makes both of these settings curiously well-suited for both bonding and discussing ideas.

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This is such a good analogy (and analysis!). Sitting by the fire is stimulating but reflective, rich in sensory detail but calm and detached. An import part of a good life.

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Wait until you discover mate, its ritual and its real energizing power. We drink it for HOURS. Freud would say it replaces our mother's nipples, for sure.

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Where can I get some?!

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Go to your favorite Argentinian / Uruguayan store and they will guide you through everything you need to know. Warning: it's bitter.

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