Most commented posts

  1. Heart to heart connection — 8 comments
  2. April update, a Midorikai interlude — 6 comments
  3. Making a good bowl of koicha — 6 comments
  4. It is harder than it looks — 6 comments
  5. Seeing things as they are — 6 comments

Author's posts

Reunion reflections

I have much to still to process about the 50 year Midorikai reunion. I think overwhelmingly it was being in the company of those who have had the experience of studying tea in Japan. Everyone learns how to get into kimono in less than ideal conditions. Everyone starts as a beginner learning to walk, sit …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/reunion-reflections/

A look back

Something to think about the next time you are making tea for guests.

“When you are not confident at making tea, everyone is looking at you.  When you are good at making tea, everyone is looking at the tea.”

I thought that I would take a few moments to look back at some posts from …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/a-look-back/

Time for a break

It was a busy summer at Issoan Tea.  We concluded an Introduction to Chado class with 4 new students, and a Ryakubon class with 4 returning students.  Regular students continued weekly classes, with advanced Shikaden classes on Friday, and once a month Okuden class.  There are also two teacher training classes meeting once a …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/time-for-a-break/

Summer intensive tea study at Issoan

We have just concluded the second summer intensive at Issoan. Between the kimono and dogu sale, to kagetsu, to kimono dressing to kaiseki cooking to calligraphy and chashaku carving we did a lot of activities. The highlight of the week concluded with a yobanashi chaji given by two students who have completed the 3-year teacher …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/summer-intensive-tea-study-at-issoan/

Things Chado has taught me, part 3

This post previously appeared on this blog as 10 things Midorikai has taught me I have updated and expanded  for the purposes of this list.  The lessons from my experience still ring true today, more than ever. What about you? What are the things Chado has taught you?

Here is the list:

  • Be open to …

    Continue reading

  • Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/things-chado-has-taught-me-part-3/