The Art of Asian Tea can promote Wellness

Tea drinking can have a calming or lifting effect on the body, mind, and spirit. It can be a solitary or social activity. Tea can be enjoyed in a casual setting or a ritualized ceremony. Beautiful furniture and tea sets have been created to enjoy the art of Asian tea.
   

 In Asia, tea ceremonies are different according to the specific country & culture. Below is a compilation of various tidbits regarding Asian tea: 

• Tea ceremonies & rituals contain an adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday life, as well as refinement, an inner spiritual content, restraint, & humility. 
• A rare & valuable commodity, initially tea was mainly consumed by priests and noblemen for medicine. 
• Tea has had a significant influence on the development of Chinese culture and is often associated with literature, arts, and philosophy. 
• Tea originated in China and dates back to the fourth century. 
• The Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony is a tradition in which couples getting married show respect to their parents. The bride usually prepares the tea and then serves it to the elders with the groom. 
• In China, light finger tapping is a custom for thanking the tea master or tea server. 
• Today, Taiwan is renowned as the maker of some of the world’s most high-quality oolong and green tea. It has also gained a good reputation as the origin country of bubble tea (tea mix that includes milk and tapioca balls). 
• The Wu-Wo tea ceremony, which originated in Taiwan, prompts its participants to disregard knowledge, appearance, and wealth to create a group with equal dynamics and no prejudice. 
• The four key principles of the Japanese tea ceremony are: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. 
• Although some important blends are cultivated with Java and Sumatra, an Indonesian tea culture never developed and is rather a mix of different tea cultures and ceremonies. 
• India’s tea culture is strongly influenced by the British colonial times, which has affected the preparation as well as the frequency with which tea is drunk. 
• Tea's revered status in Sri Lanka is reflected by the fact that it still holds the country’s ancient name of Ceylon. 
• In Tibetian tea culture, tea bricks (cut and pressed tea) are used instead of tea leaves. Tibetian tea culture features two main teas: sweet milk tea and butter tea (tea, salt, and yak butter). 
• Myanmar’s tea culture is unique because it features tea that is not only drunk, but also eaten in the form of lahpet. 
• Thai tea is served chilled and further enhanced with condensed milk and sugar. 
• Vietnam is one of the largest tea exporters. The Vietnamese tea ceremony is only performed during weddings and other religious rituals. 

For more information about Asian Tea Culture: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_tea_ceremony 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_tea_culture 
http://www.arborteas.com/pages/traditions.html 
http://www.datehookup.com/content-asian-tea-culture-ceremonies.htm

Does "Positive Psychology" apply to everyone?

Positive Psychology is one of the buzz words in mental health nowadays that incorporates aspects of happiness. Does this outlook apply to all populations? The radio show by Dr. Serena Wadhwa examines various aspects of positive psychology: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/80209/the-who-what-where-when-why-and-how-of-positive-psychology-and-its-relationship-to-wellness. What do you think?

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

In May 2008, the United States House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.  http://blogs.psychcentral.com/caregivers/2014/07/minority-mental-health-awareness-month/ 

For more specific information on Asian American mental health statistics, please visit:  http://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.aspx?lvl=3&lvlID=9&ID=6476

Preventable Tragedies?

Taipei, one of Asia's safest cities, has seen few violent crimes like the MRT (public transportation system) of May 21, 2014. A college-aged male stabbed four fellow passengers to death, while injuring over 20 others, in a possible attempt to lure the death penalty for himself. Such violent incidents were practically unheard of in the city's extensive and well-managed subway system. Although his parents and high school classmates were familiar with his plans to "do something big," he was never diagnosed with a mental health disorder.  Would receiving mental health services have prevented such a tragedy? 

Although this particular leaves us wondering, it's important to remember that most people with mental illness are not violent. Actually, most mental illnesses can be managed with therapy or medication.  In fact, many who could benefit from mental health services don't due to stigma or discrimination. Perhaps one day, future tragedies can be prevented by seeking appropriate services.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/05/21/taiwan-subway-stabbing-student/9367735/  

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/21/world/asia/taiwan-train-stabbing/  

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1518523/taipei-attacker-tells-police-he-felt-nice-after-subway-killing-spree

Community Champion

Know of anyone who has made a significant impact in your life?  

Reflecting on how current roles are impacted by immigrant roots has been a humbling endeavor.  

I'm blessed to work with inspiring mentors and students.

Many thanks to Dr. Wenli Jen for her nomination of PBS' Community Champion recognition.

http://video.pbssocal.org/video/2365249872/

What Kind of Asian Are You?

Have you ever asked or been asked:  "What Kind of Asian Are You?"  What are some reactions and what might be the source of such reactions?

Alex Dang offered a moving narrative during Boston's 2013 National Poetry Slam that shares about the history of racism as it pertains to Asian Americans.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/25/what-kind-of-asian-are-you-slam-poem_n_5208102.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

To check out more of Dang, you can visit his Facebook page here.

Parachute kids

Have you ever heard of parachute kids?  No, not the kind you find at children's parties.





Typically, "parachute kids" are international adolescents from Asia studying in the states without their parents.  I was recently interviewed for my opinions regarding what leads to positive development among this population and whether there are any special therapeutic issues to consider.
 
http://epx.sagepub.com/content/12/6/682.abstract

There are varying degrees of ideas regarding the familial, financial and social supports needed for the adjustment of these students to life in the United States.  What are your thoughts about this not-so-recent phenomenon?