"Art and Wisdom" Series
The beauty of tea art
At the invitation of the Psychological Services Group (PSG), Senior Superintendent Fung Wai-kin, Chairman of Police Tea Art Club, shares his passion for tea art in this column of "Art and Wisdom". The following is Mr Fung's experience of tea art.
Known as the national drink, Chinese tea remains the favourite drink of the Chinese in the past hundreds of years. Tea is more than just a thirst-quenching drink; it is also a way to enjoy life. Tea art has become my passion over the last decade.
Although I have been drinking tea since my childhood, it wasn't until 13 to 14 years ago that I really began to "know" about tea. At that time my health was deteriorating due to work pressures and I was hoping to find a way to stay healthy. I came to know that tea is one of the healthier drinks and so I started studying more about it. At first I studied tea art through free courses offered by the Hong Kong Museum of Tea Ware then I began studying the art of tea on my own. My love for tea art grew and it has become part of my life. This led me to realise that sometimes we may overlook the things we often come into contact, such as tea. However, if you are willing to study it, you may find pleasure during the process.
Tea
enhances work efficiency
For
me, tea is not only a drink, but also a way to relax. In addition to
the chemical components of tealeaves that have an effect to alert your
mind, the process of making tea is also an important way to help me
relax. Making tea gives me an opportunity to leave my busy work-desk or
computer. As I devote my attention to the process of making tea, it
slows me down and helps me relax. It takes my mind off from work so
that I can enjoy peace and adjust the rapid pace of work. After that,
sipping and sampling the fine taste of tea can give me a clear mind to
continue with my work.Tea and
interpersonal relationship
I would quote my experience with my son to explain the relationship between tea and interpersonal relations. Since my son's childhood, I have been making tea for him every morning before he goes to school. As he grew up, drinking tea became a habit for him and he began realising the benefits of drinking tea. Whenever he had difficulties in learning, he and I sat down, relaxed a bit and made tea. During this process, we exchanged ideas and discussed possible ways to solve problems. My son also mentioned in an essay he wrote that whenever he was feeling down in studying, I'd give him tea. Over time, tea has become the media to show support, feelings and the care for each other. This has really brought us closer. When you put your heart in making tea for others, they would feel your care, and this would bring two sides closer and bode well for relationship.
Slow
down, learn to appreciate
Studies of tea art help me realise the importance of patience. No matter how urgent matters are, sit back and think for a while. This may free us from unnecessary anxiety and help us come up with better ways to handle problems. The process of making tea helps me become more mindful of details and more appreciative of the things in my life.
Since becoming Chairman of the Police Tea Art Club, I have been trying to promote tea art as a wholesome hobby among Force members and their families. This has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge of tea art with those who are interested in tea, so that they would benefit from and enjoy the feelings of drinking tea.
Meanwhile, PSG is appealing for artworks from Force members, including photography, paintings or comics, (together with a photo of the artworks with a short description), that would demonstrate the theme of Engaged Life, Balanced Life, Mindful Life.
The deadline for submission is July 23. Submissions should be sent through PEN to pcp-5-psg@police.gov.hk or by mail to PSG office at 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay. PSG will present souvenirs to all selected artworks as a token of appreciation.
Senior
Superintendent Fung enjoys the elaborate process of preparing Chinese
tea