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Water quality - filtered water is the best. Especially important for those light tasting white and green teas. If you`re fortunate enough to be on a well, the minerals can change the taste of your tea... sometimes for the better!
Where - atmosphere is important. Being able to sit down, relax, and reflect on the moment will bring more enjoyment from your cup.
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Temperature - different types of tea require different temperature water for optimum brewing. Too hot can lead to a bitter brew.
Time - be careful not to over steep. Particularly important with green and black teas that can become quite astringent after brewing for a long time.
Type of tea - every type of tea (green, white, oolong, black, herbal) has it`s own optimum brewing parameters. Just remember, these are only recommended, play with it and come up with ones that YOU like. Tea is personal, brewing tea is likewise.
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Happiness - "don't worry, be happy" Bobby McFerrin. Relax and enjoy the moment. Tea is tranquil and relaxing. Enjoying your cup means leaving all the busyness of the day behind, if only for 5 minutes.
Host - always enjoyable with good company, but also alone for self reflection. Serve in pleasant teaware as well. I prefer glass or clear plastic so I can watch the tea brew.
I think you are right about the Happiness part. Because when I go into WTH the atmosphere and watching the tea brew does make me put my sometimes horrid day behind. But when I am home, I am usually making tea while rushing out the door. I should not abuse the tea like that!
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