Tea Ceremony At Tuscany

茶の湯 Tea CeremonyI visited Tuscany retirement home and demonstrated tea ceremony which was the most simple style called  Bon demae. 

I would love many people to experience tea ceremony. Please watch Korakuen. https://www.facebook.com/motokojapanesecultureEven when I was so busy and frustrated, tea ceremony takes me to emptiness: I cannot think anything.  I can only concentrate every motion to clean tea bowl, telescope , bowl, mixing tea with bamboo whisk and drinking tea.  I can appreciate the moment of calmness.  I  cannot hear but the sound of boiling water, poured into a cup.  I could feel totally being somewhere away from daily life.

When I moved to the States, feeling lonely and at a loss, wearing kimono and making tea made me feel just being in Japan.  It was so tranquil moment.  Since then I have wanted to share this joy with many people.

I have enjoyed tea ceremony privately with friends  since I came to the States.This was my second time to visit a group of people and demonstrate the most simple style tea ceremony.  I was so happy to demonstrate tea ceremony at Tuscany . I had a wonderful time with ladies and gentlemen.

I talked about history, showed utensils and tea ceremony.  They tasted tea holing a bowl with both hands which shows politeness and respect for a host and labor of who made it.They were really nice guests for me.  Mimi made tea for me which tasted very good.  The asked me some questions which made our tea ceremony more interesting and enjoyable.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen in Tuscany!  Thank you Sandy and Linda for giving me such a wonderful opportunity!