Serenity

I really enjoyed the Japanese Tea Ceremony.  The Tea Master was so dedicated to the tradition; he seemed so happy to be sharing it with us and I felt honored because of it.  The movements of the female Tea Masters were incredibly hypnotizing.  Each move of their muscles were calculated and precise.  It was a dance for tea.

The sweets were very pleasant and the tea was incredibly rich.  I enjoyed savoring the jade liquid, its flavor earthy and calming.

When I asked the Tea Master what he enjoyed most about the Tea Ceremony, I found his answer extremely interesting.  He began to describe beautiful sweets – how happy he was as he watched his patrons’s faces light up as they saw them.  Also, I loved how fascinated he was with flower arranging.  These were simple moments of bliss but they seemed to be so important to him.  I found this amazing.

When I exited the tea room I felt serene.  I felt like I was in a trance – I did not speak for a good ten minutes after the Ceremony.  Often, I am incredibly neurotic and stressed; my mind endlessly jumps from topic to topic never giving me a break.  I rarely feel calm.  But after the Tea Ceremony, my mind seemed still.  I felt as if my soul and mind were cleansed.  It was a beautiful feeling.