After a long hiatus for Covid, I opened the tearoom last spring. I did not teach any beginner classes for 2 and a half years while the tearoom was closed. There were about 20 people on the waiting list and when I opened the new introduction to Chado class, it filled quickly. Then I …
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I have recently begun okeiko again with Bonnie Mitchell-sensei via Zoom. I am so grateful for the time and energy that she invests in every lesson. It has been more than 18 years since I attended weekly okeiko. After so many years on the teaching side, being a student again is humbling. Yet every …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/between-lessons/
The dictionary defines the long haul as a prolonged and difficult effort or task. It also brings to mind carrying something for a long distance or time.
I am great at starting things: projects, cleaning, research, study. When I started my Chado studies, I was hungry for lessons. I wanted to know everything. I …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/for-the-long-haul/
As the world begins to open up again after Covid, activities that we used to enjoy can be intimidating to start again. As I contemplate starting tea lessons in person again, I am thinking how can I ease the way for students who may be hesitant to come to class. I will do my best …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/starting-again/
Guest Post by Andrew Nguy. Andrew was in China on a Fulbright scholarship when Covid broke out. Andrew studied with me online through the Covid pandemic. He is now off to Yale for East Asian graduate studies.
One wintry morning as I roamed the halls of a temple in China’s historical southern capital, I received …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/tea-reflection/
