The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the sighing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things."  Kakuzo Okakura

It’s been a few months since the last time I wrote something for the Amayori Sento. I sat down many times to write about various things that have been going on in the world, and each time, I came to the same conclusion, which was not to say anything at all. 

Over the years, I have been asked by many of our customers, friends, and family to address certain topics or even skincare needs or to talk about certain aspects of my own healing journey. I once shared a very personal story about my diagnosis with Lupus (all is very well, by the way). Aside from that, I decided a while ago to avoid anything too serious here, and I wanted to share why as I think this approach is something beautiful that anyone can incorporate into various aspects of their lives.

I started taking tea ceremony classes a few years ago. The subtle lessons it has taught me have been profound, to say the least. One of the most impactful lessons has been the approach to socializing in the tea room. Though there is no set word (that I know of) for the approach when gathering for tea, there are general rules of thumb. 

Most tea rooms are very small. They are traditionally built at the end of a winding path that makes its way through a garden. The idea here is that on this path, the attendants leave the real world behind. 

Upon entering a tea house, there are a number of formalities that I won’t be discussing here today. I want to focus on the conduct of the tea host and guests. The tea host goes to great lengths to create an otherworldly experience for their guests. This is reflected in their choice of teaware, sweets, art, and flowers. A guest is there to simply enjoy tea.

A tea gathering is viewed as a place, space, and time that adults are gathered to enjoy the beauty of the moment. Whether it’s the bubbling sound of the kettle, the simple yet elegant flowers that are always present, or the shadows that dance on the walls, the tea room is a time to celebrate beauty. There is no talk of politics, no talk of the news, no talk of problems… just pure beauty and tranquility. Each person knows that this calm moment in time is fleeting, which makes it even more precious.

I have always held this philosophy when it comes to Amayori. On the site, in this journal, on social media… everything. It’s not that I am ignoring the problems of the world. I am well aware of what they are. But it is my hope that we can enjoy a beautiful moment together. I view each of you as my guests, just as in a tea ceremony. I am here to create a relaxing space that will help you to forget your cares.

I hope that you find peace here and that, even for the briefest of moments, you can forget about your worries and be transported to a world of ease and beauty.

Warm wishes,