Tag: mindfulness

Be here now

Here we are at the turn of the year.  It is the winter solstice and once again we are facing a new virus variant that they say is more transmissible than the previous strains. Will we never be rid of this disease? Nearly three years of sickness, death, disruption, threats,and  travel bans. We are all …

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Seeing things as they are

With the worldwide pandemic, staying home has been a hardship for many.  Fortunately, I am in a secure financial situation, and staying home this past year and a half has been a pleasure for me.  Seeing the seasons change through the garden has brought me great joy this year.  I have also been teaching myself …

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The turn of the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here we are at the winter solstice of 2019.  Right now the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a category 3 Or 4 Atmospheric River described as a long, narrow plume of tropical moisture carrying intense rainfall across the atmosphere like a river in the sky.  “These columns of …

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After the gathering

It has been the custom of my sensei and indeed myself, that after a chaji, chakai, or a demonstration of chanoyu, to make sure all students and helpers have a sweet and drink a bowl of tea before we clean up. After the guests leave, there is still so much to do. And yet, …

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Making a good bowl of koicha

During koicha temae, the teishu asks the shokyaku “Ofukukagen wa ikaga desu ka?” How is the tea.  Of course out of politeness, it is always “Kekko desu, or Taihen kekko desu” It is good and sufficient.  But we need honest feedback in order to improve how we make koicha.  One of my students told me …

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