A Life With Tea

by Dr. Andrew Weil

Founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine

I have written about the health benefits of green tea for more than 30 years, and it is possible that in some very small way I have helped this wonderful beverage become popular in the United States. I hope so, because today, thousands of scientific studies confirm what the ancient Chinese knew through simple observation: green tea is perhaps the most healthful beverage human beings can consume. Studies either strongly suggest or confirm that the antioxidants in green tea can reduce LDL cholesterol, promote fat burning, reduce the risk of several forms of cancer and alleviate depression.

But tea is much more than the healthful compounds in it. It is an experience, and for me, a personal story of discovery that continues to this day.

Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.~ Chinese Proverb

When I was growing up in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s, my parents drank coffee exclusively -- black and unsweetened. I did not like it (and still don't). The only tea we knew about was Lipton, in bags. Old and sick people drank hot tea. My parents and I drank iced tea in the summer, much sweetened.

Then, after graduating from high school in 1959, I had a life-changing experience. As part of a remarkable institution known as the International School of America, I traveled around the world in nine months with a group of fellow students. In Japan, I was exposed to sencha -- the everyday green tea drunk by all Japanese. More significantly, I experienced matcha, the powdered green tea, as part of a true Japanese tea ceremony. Many Americans have heard of, or even taken part in, this ceremony today, but in 1959 it was virtually unknown to the Western world. The idea of using a food -- tea -- as a ceremonial object of focus and meditation fascinated me and made a strong impression.

Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world. ~ T'ien Yiheng

Later on that same trip, I had a chance to drink tea in other Asian cultures as well as in middle Eastern and European countries, and by the time I returned to the U.S. to attend Harvard College, I was a confirmed tea aficionado and experimenter. In the early 1960s, I recall in particular a period of enthusiasm for lapsong souchong, a Taiwanese tea that is smoked over pinewood fires, imparting a rich, dark color and a complex, satisfying flavor.

If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.  ~ Japanese Proverb

In the 1970s and 80s, I became concerned about widespread coffee addiction in America. Many of my patients had longstanding disorders -- such as chronic stress, insomnia or gastrointestinal conditions -- and had been to dozens of doctors, taken many medications, but found no relief. I was nearly always the only doctor who 1) asked them if they drank coffee, and 2) told them in no uncertain terms to stop drinking it for at least two months to see if the problem resolved.

This simple counsel was amazingly successful. My files are full of accounts of chronic health problems that resolved completely when people stopped drinking coffee. In many cases, these patients became tea drinkers, and found the experience satisfying and healthful.

For what I drink now, and why, please read "My Life with Tea, Part Two." In the meantime, I'd like to read your personal tea story -- when did you begin to drink tea, and how have your consumption habits changed through the years?

Andrew Weil, M.D., invites you to grab a cup of tea join the conversation: become a fan onFacebook, follow him on Twitter, and check out his Daily Health Tips Blog. Dr. Weil is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and the editorial director of www.DrWeil.com

Source : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/a-life-with-tea_b_661017.html

Life is a One Time Game

Defeat is not a Choice


Life is a one time game that you are playing simultaneously at individual and team level.  At individual level, you are up against the external world.  At team level, your rival is your own inner self.  To win against the external world, you need to be a winner against your inner self.  


The strength you derive from your inner source of energy can withhold the onslaught of external forces for a long time.  It is, therefore, of paramount importance that you are always on better terms with your inner self.


It is a continuous war and you cannot take the risk of being in a weakened state to fight on the external frontiers. Your reinforcements are limited as compared to those of external forces.  


Here are three basic tips to build amicable relations with your inner self:


Be Fair with Yourself


The very first step towards lessening the differences with your inner self is to be fair with yourself.  Being fair means to be honest and sincere.  Your actions must speak for your characteristics that display your external personality traits.  The slightest element of hypocrisy can cause cracks in your life that may not be visible at an initial stage but lately they could devastate you.  


Maintain Your Self Esteem


Self esteem is not simply a state of mind.  It is a powerful force that protects you against the universal negative forces.  This single force can help you stand firm in the battle-ground of life.  It holds you back from crumbling to pressures under unfavourable circumstances and in nerve-shattering situations.


You should not fall victim to any bargain at the cost of self esteem that is very difficult to regain if once lost.  Self esteem is your magic golden key to survival in the darkness of despair, depression and agonizing solitude.


Determination to Win


And last but not the least is your will power, your determination to win against evil forces at any cost.  God has sent you to this world to win this battle.  Don't even think about losing it.  A strong positive attitude supported by an unwaivering conviction in your cause is your best defense against all the rival forces combined.  


Each one of us is a God's warrior in this world.  However, some of us prefer to be deserters and join hands with negative forces to quench the thirst of their lusty desires but at the end of the day they are big losers.


With the above three actions you can develop strong and lasting relationship with your inner self and no evil power of the world can push you back from your line of control.


There are various frontiers which you have to defend in life.  Some are not that important to defend while others require massive sacrifices from you.  It is entirely up to you to devise an intelligent strategy to move your forces to the frontier that you cannot afford to lose, for life is a one-time game and you cannot be sure to have another chance.


So, my friends, fight on each and every frontier as if it is your last battle and you have to win it.