Mio’s Tea Ceremony Experience
Kyoto is beautiful in the spring. The cherry blossoms turn the city pink. Mio, a university art student, visits Kyoto during her spring break. She is looking for new inspiration for her art.
While walking along a street lined with old houses, Mio sees a small sign that says “Tea Ceremony Experience.” Curious, she knocks on the door.
An old woman with a kind smile opens the door. “My name is Mizuho,” she says. “I run a small tea ceremony class here.”
Mizuho shows Mio how to do a tea ceremony. Mio learns that every action, like how to hold the tea bowl, how to make the tea, and how to serve it, has a deep meaning. These actions help focus the mind and appreciate the moment.
“Tea ceremony is more than just making tea,” Mizuho explains. “It’s about valuing the spirit of ‘once in a lifetime,’ meaning each moment is unique and will never happen again.”
The tea ceremony becomes a special experience for Mio. It’s more than just a cultural activity; it’s a way to find peace and focus on herself. In the quiet tea room, Mio connects with each tea utensil. Each one seems to have its own story from the past.
After the ceremony, Mio walks through Kyoto feeling refreshed. The peace and focus she gained from the tea ceremony inspire her to create new artworks.
She promises herself that one day, she will create art that gives someone else a ‘once in a lifetime’ moment, just like her experience.