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Through Tea, Find Presence.
Tea invites Slowness
In a world that moves fast, tea invites slowness. Through tea, we return to the present moment, honoring cultural traditions, deepening awareness, and embracing unity.
At Teas and Spirit, we believe tea is more than just a drink - it's an experience, a craft, and a way of life. Whether as a personal ritual or an offering in a hospitality setting, tea has the power to transform the way we connect - with ourselves, others, and the world around us.
Teas and Spirit is a space for those seeking presence, connection, and beauty through the art of tea. Founded by Lena Hauber, the brand bridges the worlds of tea expertise, mindfulness and hospitality, offering an intentional approach to tea drinking as both a meditative and sensory experience.
What is Tea?
Camelia Sinensis
Camellia Sinensis is the plant from which all true teas originate—green, black, white, oolong, and more. Native to Asia, its leaves are carefully processed in different ways to create a wide variety of flavors and aromas. Whether delicate and floral or bold and robust, every cup of tea begins with this remarkable plant.
Tea-More Than Just a Drink
In many Eastern cultures, tea is far more than a simple beverage—it's a ritual, a social bond, and even a form of meditation. Deeply rooted in the cultural, political, religious, and philosophical fabric of countries like China, Japan, and Vietnam, tea is interwoven with daily life and spiritual practice alike. Walk through the bustling streets of an Asian metropolis, and you're likely to spot people sitting on small plastic stools, sipping tea and watching life unfold. These quiet moments, shared in the midst of chaos, speak volumes about tea’s role as a grounding force.
In contrast, tea in much of Europe is still often viewed as a remedy for colds or merely a second choice after coffee. Yet, when prepared and enjoyed mindfully, tea offers something profound—an invitation to slow down, be present, and reconnect with the moment. Many tea practitioners even refer to the act of brewing tea as a form of meditation. Each step, from boiling the water to steeping the leaves, calls for undivided attention. In a world overloaded with stimuli and obsessed with multitasking, this singular focus can feel revolutionary.
The tea plant itself carries a spectrum of benefits: some varieties are calming, others energizing, soothing, or even healing. This is why tea is often associated with natural medicine, or "tea as medicine," in many cultures.
In essence, tea is not just a drink—it’s an experience. When approached with care and intention, it becomes a meditative, connecting ritual that nourishes both body and spirit.
What is a Gong Fu Cha Ceremony?
Gong Fu Cha (功夫茶), often translated as “the art of making tea with skill,” is a traditional Chinese tea ceremony that emphasizes precision, mindfulness, and respect for the tea itself. Originating in southern China—particularly in Fujian and Guangdong provinces, as well as Taiwan—this method is not just about brewing tea, but about doing so with focused intention and practiced technique.
The term “gong fu” (or kung fu) doesn’t refer to martial arts in this context, but rather to the idea of mastery through time and effort. Cha simply means tea. Together, Gong Fu Cha implies making tea with practiced skill and deep attention.
In a typical Gong Fu Cha session, small teaware—like a gaiwan (lidded bowl) or tiny clay teapot—is used to brew high-quality loose leaf tea in multiple short infusions. The leaves are carefully awakened with hot water, then steeped repeatedly to extract evolving layers of flavor, aroma, and energy. Water temperature, steeping time, and even the flow of the pour are all handled with care and deliberation.
But Gong Fu Cha is more than technique—it’s an immersive experience. It's often shared with guests as a way of cultivating connection, slowing down, and engaging the senses fully. For many, it becomes a form of meditation in motion: the sound of pouring water, the aroma of the tea leaves, the warmth of the cup in hand—all grounding reminders to be present.
In essence, Gong Fu Cha is tea not just as a drink, but as a way of life—where beauty, discipline, and mindfulness meet in a simple, powerful ritual.
Experience Tea
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Cha Circle
An intimate online space for introspection and community accompanying you in your tea practice.
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Staff Training
We educate professionals in hospitality and train them to use tea as a complex alternativ to alcohol.
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Workshops
We host workshops for teams, friends or simply tea lovers who like to connect through tea.
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1:1 Journeys
Private online journeys for individuals who wish to get a basic knowledge of the history, processing & brewing methods of Camellia Sinensis.