GLADYS WONG Energy Healer, Spiritual Counselor & Writer
First Published: August 2, 2013
While waiting for my herbalist to whip up something miraculous to balance my health, I wandered into a nearby bakery on Clement Street in San Francisco, a beloved enclave for Chinese immigrants. The air was rich with the scents of freshly baked pastries, an exquisite blend of sweet and savory that felt like stepping into a cozy slice of my hometown, Hong Kong. I nestled comfortably at a corner table and cradled a steaming cup of Hong Kong-style milk tea, feeling its warmth embrace me like a much-needed hug on a foggy San Francisco morning.
Behind the counter, a local Chinese woman gracefully orchestrated an aromatic symphony, deftly preparing Hong Kong-style milk tea. This beverage is more than just a drink; it’s a robust concoction of black tea and creamy condensed milk that promises a sweet, silky jolt to revive even the weariest spirits. The preparation is an art form—a cultural legacy that offers solace to the homesick and a taste of tradition to all who partake.
Crafting this beverage involves a skilled ‘pulling’ process that integrates the tea and milk blend. The tea is steeped before being poured back and forth between containers to aerate it and achieve a velvety texture. Finally, it is combined with creamy condensed milk, balancing the boldness of tea with sweet smoothness, epitomizing Hong Kong’s signature taste in every cup.
This iconic drink was born during British colonial rule. Its preparation combines British tea-drinking traditions with local adaptations, embodies Hong Kong’s culinary heritage, and blends Western and Eastern elements into a beloved staple.
As I held my cup, savoring the rich fusion of flavors, my eyes fell upon the display of irresistible pastries. There were crunchy egg tarts with golden custard centers, fluffy pineapple buns with crackling crispy tops, and other richly aromatic buns. While perhaps not the pinnacle of nutrition, these delightful treats offered brief moments of joy—comfort foods that nourished the soul.
However, the little voice in my head reminded me why I awaited my herbalist’s concoction. While indulgence is tempting, it calls for harmony. My comfort cravings needed the counterpoint of nature—using the ancient elixir of herbs to balance the unhealthy food I consumed and supplement the nutrients my everyday diet might lack—to reconcile modern indulgences with traditional health practices.
While sipping my tea, I noticed, in the opposite corner, some elderly gentlemen engaged in animated conversation around a table. They seemed like a scene from a charming indie film, their laughter and reminiscences filling the room. One gentleman, however, caught my eye; he was casually breathing through a small portable oxygen tank, looking as calm as if it were a fashion accessory. Between shared stories about their youthful adventures and fond memories, his demeanor made me reflect on the advancements in healthcare and modern technology that allow individuals to maintain their quality of life and lifespan despite health challenges.
I remember reading an article in National Geographic titled ‘On Beyond 100.’ It discussed how the quest for longevity isn’t just a pipe dream anymore; people can now easily live past a hundred. Who knew your golden years could glisten so brightly? Longevity often depends on how well we balance medical assistance with healthy lifestyle choices and our remarkable ability to adapt and thrive with the support of such innovations.
Life on this planet is like a cherished road trip. Our bodies are the vehicles that transport our spirits through this extraordinary human journey, offering lessons and growth at every twist and turn. While we spend plenty of time waxing and polishing the exterior with hairstyles, clothing, and all things cosmetic, we often overlook the importance of good fuel. Our diet doesn’t just impact our waistlines; it reflects on our physical appearance—skin, hair, nails—and even our inner personality.
Getting sick often relates less to what we eat and more to what we shouldn’t eat and how we manage our intake. Treat your body like the masterfully engineered machine it is: provide it with quality fuel in sensible portions, maintain its chemical balance, and incorporate moderate exercise into your routine. Don’t forget the periodic tune-up—a massage or bodywork session to keep everything purring smoothly. Together, these practices create natural healing systems that rival superheroes.
Above all, it’s crucial to maintain a positive outlook on life’s journey. It’s more than how long we can drive this vehicle; it’s more about the quality of the road trip. A dash of optimism combined with frequent bouts of laughter can do wonders. After all, laughter isn’t just good for the soul; it’s the ultimate unleaded endorphin booster, silently improving our well-being with each chuckle.
My secret to remedying the woes of aging? Stay young at heart, remain active, be endlessly curious, and commit to lifelong learning. Even now, I feel like I’m sixteen—especially when conquering new levels on my favorite phone game. How about you?
As I pondered these youthful joys, I put down my cup and bid farewell to the gentlemen whose tales were as rich as their tankards were full. Tucking away my musings, packed with as much flavor as my beloved tea, I gathered my herbs and ventured back into the suburb, away from the hubbub of the city.
Reflecting on the wisdom I sipped on Clement Street that day, I’ve realized the importance of embracing each moment with a youthful spirit and a hearty laugh. After all, isn’t laughter the ultimate fast lane to longevity, infusing our days with joy and vitality?
“Do not complain about growing old. It is a privilege denied to many. ~ Maya Angelou~
Photo by Author
Energy Healing, Distance Healing, Spiritual Consultation, Spiritual Writing
Gladys Wong CMT MIM 