McKay/Sheppard Slash

I have become fascinated with the concept of slow living - not just recently (although my implementation of the practice has increased). Until last year, I lived in one of the largest metroplexes in the United States, the eighth biggest TV market in the country, and put up with the attendant crowding, pollution, traffic, and heat. All of that led to my life being lived at a frenetic pace.

Now I've moved to a city of less than 10,000 people, surrounded by trees and fields. I've turned off my alarm in the morning and wake up with the sun. There's a river running through it - I can go sit by it, watch people kayaking on it, and listen to the rushing water. I'm still working, but I want to be kinder to myself in general.

When I broke my leg, I went cold turkey on coffee, partially because of all the drugs I was on, and then later because I wasn't physically capable of making it. I still haven't really picked the habit back up.

Because of various people I follow on social media, I've gotten fascinated with matcha. The act of making a beverage involving matcha seems so slow and meditative, and hands on. Compared to making coffee. I'm entranced with the aesthetics of it, the variety of uses for it, and the claimed health benefits. So I decided to give it a try, and got some at a local coffee shop. Wow, so expensive for just a latte!

But I decided I was okay with the taste, although it is a bit odd. And decided I would learn how to do the whole ritual myself. This morning was my first attempt. I made a bunch of mistakes, and learned a lot of things for next time so it was a little more stressful than anticipated. However, I produced a delicious iced matcha latte that disappeared too quickly! I didn't really notice a buzz compared to coffee, but definitely felt very focused this morning.

As I keep making it, I know I'll improve and make this one of my morning rituals.