I am currently teaching a Western Classical Philosophy class with my son and two other homeschooled friends. By “teaching”, I mean “exploring” with them. I was not familiar in the subject before preparing for the class, but it’s hard to be a songwriter for twenty years and not think about the meaning of EVERYTHING. So I’ve got philosophizing in practice. Last night, (over a pot of Angel Falls Mist, a fruity-tart herbal blend at Uncommon Grounds in Albany. Sometimes this blend is offered as their ice-tea of the day- highly recommend when it’s hot) one of the kids told us about Heraclitus, an ancient philosopher who introduced the idea: the only constant is change.
I have made Earl Gray countless times. Although it must be slightly different each brew, each pot, each cup, each batch of cream, each jar of honey, each sip at a slightly new temperature, each taste influenced by the air quality, what I’m eating, or was eating. My complete enjoyment of this most excellent blend is always changing due to my state of mind: am I staring out the window on a snowy day? outside (with feet in the grass…) on a summer morning? chatting with a friend? or sipping in total distraction while reading a book?
(At the moment I am staring out the window at home in the morning during early Autumn, the bergamot black tea, raw local honey, and organic cream blending with medium-fried eggs over gluten-free toast, with tiny local plums. Damn, I love breakfast!)
Yet, I find each cup “perfect.” How can this be? I suppose I know how to brew a cup to my general liking after years of practice, so it will always be decent to freakin’ amazing. Plus, if I have a cup of tea, it’s because I wanted one in the first place- wish granted! And finally, it’s tea, not a life goal.
Though maybe completing life goals should be more like making tea: practice regularly, fulfill your own needs, and put it all in perspective.
I raise a cuppa to you, Heraclitus. It’s perfect.
Rise unfettered.
Move with intention.
Be grand.
