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The way of tea soothes a wounded soul
By Witchy | October 1, 2007
The way of tea really does soothe a wounded soul. And tonight, it helped me deal with the loss of a friendship that meant something to me.
I’m sitting here, drinking a cup of Japanese green tea - matcha. Although I am not Japanese, and have never been trained in chado - “the way of tea”, otherwise known as the Japanese tea ceremony - I have my own ceremony for preparing and drinking green tea.
There is something soothing, meditative, about preparing the water so that it is just the right temperature, and whisking the tea into a froth. I have to admit I add a little sweetener and cream, although I know most matcha drinkers would cringe at the thought.
The act of drinking the tea is almost as ceremonial as the preparation. It is an experience. The subtle flavour awakening the tongue, the warmth as it slides down into the belly. The quiet. The simple enjoyment of the tea. Everything else just slides away. When I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the day, Japanese green tea is the perfect prescription.
Tonight, I lost a friend. An online friend, but still a friend. As much as anyone online could be considered a friend. This experience reminded me how little we know people online, and how little we should trust those we do meet. Friendships, of a sort, develop when you get involved in a discussion or chat group. And oftentimes, those friendships end. Just because they are online friendships does not diminish the sorrow that is naturally felt at the end of a friendship.
To the one I called friend, I can only say this: Go in peace. Life is too short. And remember, when the soul needs something more, look to the way of tea.
I did.
And the tea soothed my soul.
Topics: Musings |
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