Gaiwan Brewing Basics

The gaiwan is one of tea's most elegant and enduring tools. A simple bowl with a lid that together unlock a world of flavor, intention, and presence. In this hands-on class, we will journey through the holding, pouring, and brewing with this vessel and with our own intuitive presence.

Gaiwan Brewing Basics is an introduction to one of the most foundational brewing methods in Chinese tea culture. We will cover the anatomy of the gaiwan, how to use it with confidence, tuning into your own intuitive steeping time, and the small but meaningful details that transform a simple cup of tea into something alive. You will leave with practical skills you can bring home to build on and fully transform the way you interact with tea.

This is a technical class at heart that encourages the technique of the senses and intuition in brewing tea. Building presence and expanding any tea experience into a life practice. Brewing well is simply found in the practice of tuning into the conversation between yourself and the tea. The gaiwan is where that conversation begins.

This gathering is offered with a suggested contribution of $45. In the spirit of inclusivity and balance, you are welcome to offer what feels right for you, whether that is $45, $35, or more if you have the means. Contributions above the suggested amount help make this experience accessible to those with financial need and sustain the ongoing care and energy poured into holding spaces like this. Every offering, whether financial or energetic, affirms the value of community supported education.

We also acknowledge the systemic barriers that have long limited access for BIPOC communities. To honor this, a $15 option is available for BIPOC participants who would benefit from it. This is one way we commit to equity, ensuring that diversity is not only welcomed but integral to the richness of the experience.

If the listed prices are still a barrier, please reach out directly. I am more than willing to work with you to ensure that tea remains within reach for all who feel called to share in it.

All are welcome here. You are invited to arrive exactly as you are and take part in a space rooted in openness, care, and community. A space to come together through the deep, transformative beauty of tea.

To help us hold a mindful and welcoming space, we ask participants to be considerate of sensory sensitivities by avoiding strong fragrances.

This is a space of gentle awareness, where we honor our own needs as well as those of others. By showing up with openness, care, and respect for each other's boundaries, we create a collective meditative atmosphere where tea and community belonging can flourish.

This class is led by D'Guar (they/them), a trans person of color, tea guide, and community builder based in Portland, Oregon. D'Guar has devoted their path to exploring the spirit of Camellia sinensis through mindful practice, storytelling, and connection. Through their project Water Fairy Tea, they create spaces where tea becomes the gentle tether between nature, presence, and belonging. Their offerings weave education with devotion, inviting participants to meet tea not only as a beverage, but as a companion in conversation, self-discovery, and community care with nature and the world around.

We acknowledge that this work takes place on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Clackamas, Chinook, Kathlamet, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other Indigenous ancestors and communities. We honor their enduring presence, care, and wisdom, and offer gratitude to the land and to the people who have tended it since time immemorial.

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