Sooner or later, many people who dive into tea end up interested in gongfu cha. They likely see it early on, but without much context or guidance. And over time, it becomes clear that this traditional tea practice is a core pathway into experiencing tea on a deeper level. But how do you get started? And how can we make gongfu cha – with all the accessories, the staging, the brewing ratios and rules, etc – feel more accessible? Less overwhelming? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this playful and affirming workshop! Learn about the basic tools – and accessible substitutes – to create your own personal gongfu tea practice. Plus, experiment through real time brewing exercises on how to find the sweet spot for the level of engagement that works for your mood and energy.
Hosted by Sooz from Being Tea, from the inclusive awareness that not everyone has unlimited budget, space, time, or energy for a practice that demands a narrow aesthetic. Tea should be enjoyable and personally fulfilling, not performative and anxiety-causing. All are welcome, whether you’re completely new to gongfu tea brewing, or you have years of experience but some new feelings of overwhelm to work through in these intense times.
Date: Saturday, January 3rd
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PT
Location: Zoom*
*Zoom link will be sent approx. 24 hrs prior to the event
We want to make sure that everyone who wants to attend this class is able to. Please consider "paying it forward" by purchasing an additional ticket if you feel called to and are able. If you would like to attend, but cannot afford a ticket, please reach out to inquire about available "Pay it forward" tickets.
Accessible Gongfu: Skills to Reduce the Overwhelm (January 3rd)
Sooz Hammond, Founder and Program Director, Being Tea
Sooz (they/she) is an award-winning educator, tea spiritual practitioner, and recognized tea industry trainer of 20 years. They are the founder of Being Tea – an immersive online education, community, and mindfulness space. Being Tea is unique for its focus on mental health awareness, trauma sensitivity, and inclusive teaching principles. Sooz is an Autistic and non-binary person, and happily eight years sober. They are also a certified trauma-informed meditation teacher and a trained journalist. Being Tea's offerings include a membership program with live weekly and recorded classes, and an 8-month first-of-its-kind Teacher Training program for tea professionals and community facilitators.
Please note as all classes/events go to support the continued outreach of TeaFestPDX, refunds will not be provided. If you are unable to attend, you may gift your ticket to another person.