On a quiet Tuesday morning, Christina settles into her cozy writing nook by the window, cradling a small cup of matcha. Her journal lies open before her, ready to be filled with the day's tasks and intentions. Hints of orange autumn hues decorate the room, adding a cozy seasonal warmth to the quiet house. At her feet, her dog sighs quietly, resting against her feet. For a moment, Christina has her peace.
"This is my favorite place to enjoy matcha," she says, gazing out the window overlooking her garden and the serene hills of Silicon Valley. "I get to sit down and feel like I'm in nature, away from the chaos of everyday life."
Meet Christina
As a mother of two lively young boys, each day brings its fair share of chaos and surprises. Her neatly organized desk and open shelves are surrounded by traces of motherhood: scattered toys, colorful markers, school projects, and a telescope pointed toward the stars. She enjoys the whirlwind that comes with being a mom; it's a rich, textured life she embraces. Once the "morning storm" passes, she turns on the kettle and reaches for her matcha.
Christina's journey with tea began in 2009, when she and her husband embarked on an adventure to Kagawa, Japan, for a teaching opportunity. It was there that she first experienced the art of the tea ceremony and fell in love. From the exquisite flavor of the matcha to the delicate and intentional movements in the tea ceremony, the experience was unforgettable and deeply resonated within her.
Since then, their family trips back to Japan have become a cherished ritual. Over time, matcha evolved from a simple beverage into something much more profound: a daily reminder of mindfulness, serenity, and self-identity.
Her Ritual
In her kitchen, she carefully sifts the matcha powder and places a spoonful into her bowl. While she whisks, she leans in to inhale its rich aroma. Her current favorite matcha? TAIGA. "It's very smooth, with deep umami. I actually enjoy the grassy flavor of matcha," she shares while admiring the bowl of freshly whisked matcha. Then, instead of drinking directly from the bowl or making a latte in a glass, she pours half of the whisked matcha into a small cup.
As a self-proclaimed Type A personality, Christina admits that her initial approach was to study the tea ceremony and "get everything right." However, over time, she found a unique twist to her ritual: sipping from a small, espresso-sized cup. Much smaller than the traditional chawan, this encourages her to savor smaller sips even more. "It makes me slow down and be still," she says, pausing to take a drink.
The Contrast of Calm and Chaos
"To me, matcha itself is a juxtaposition," she reflects. "It has the balance of bitterness and sweetness, and it mirrors the contrasts in my life."
Her philosophy of contrast and harmony is beautifully showcased throughout her home. The blue sofa cushions set against rich autumnal tones create a carefully balanced palette that is both beautiful and inviting. As she places her cup on the thoughtfully adorned coffee table, just a few feet away from the toys, it's clear that she values these moments of tranquility. "Matcha brings peacefulness into the chaos," she explains. "Especially with parenting, some days can really be overwhelming and chaotic. It's nice to know that I can have this moment for myself."
For Christina, matcha is more than just a morning beverage or a source of clean caffeine; it serves as a reminder of her pre-motherhood lifestyle, when wellness practices shaped her day-to-day routine.
Although time may be limited now, she hasn't let those practices disappear. Wellness and longevity remain priorities in her life, and in between her kids' soccer games, her weekly ballet classes, and running errands, matcha offers her a pause, a moment just for her to savor.
The Cycle of Giving
"When you drink matcha, you're consuming the whole leaf," she explains with a smile. "You absorb all of the nutrients, the care that went into growing it, the hands that picked it. That care becomes part of you." For Christina, it doesn't end there. "It's a part of the cycle. You get to take in all the goodness and then give it back to the world."
As we know, parenting is one of the most challenging jobs out there. It demands immense energy, endless patience, and remarkable resilience. "Not every day is perfect, but as a parent, you have to give it all you can." There is no doubt that her matcha ritual offers a quiet source of strength.
"You have to be filled to pour," Christina reminds us. It's a beautiful reminder of the balance we all need.
