The Illustrated Guide to the Zen Tea Ceremony : Achieving Mindfulness and Calm the Japanese Way

Reduce stress and enrich your life through the Japanese tea ritual!This richly illustrated book by tea master Soryo Matsumura shows you how to use the ancient Japanese tea ceremony to reduce stress and live a more enriching life. It is written for complete novices and explains all aspects of the tea ceremony with a focus on three major themes:How to perform the tea ceremony both at home and in more formal gatheringsThe stress reduction benefits this ritual provides, helping you to appreciate the little things in lifeHow the tea ceremony helps to connect us with others, transcending age, gender and creedAs well as showing you all the basics—how to sit, what to wear and how to follow the etiquette of tea preparation, drinking and conversation—Matsumura explains in a warm and friendly tone how this meditative practice has wider benefits. He encourages you to reflect on the importance of things like:Keeping your surroundings clean and organizedSetting appropriate boundaries in personal relationshipsIncreasing your self-esteem and communicating wellFilled with beautiful color illustrations throughout, this book is perfect for anyone seeking to bring greater peace and mindfulness into their everyday life.