How to use your enso sensory tea tables for the perfect tea ceremony
There's something about tea that just makes you feel so zen. Maybe it's the warmth of the cup in your hands or the aroma that fills the room. Whatever it is, a tea ceremony is a great way to allow you to slow down, live in the moment and help you connect with nature.
The Japanese tea ceremony is known as Chanoyu, Chado or Sado. It is an artistic, spiritual and cultural pastime, that turns the act of making tea into an artful exercise of consciousness, similar to a meditation in motion. The principles behind the tea ceremony are known as wabi-sabi, which is defined as a celebration of "rustic elegance, quiet taste, refined beauty and the belief that objects gain value through use and age". These principles guide the root of the Japanese culture.
The below steps outline how to easily host a modern tea ceremony in your own home:
The Japanese tea ceremony is known as Chanoyu, Chado or Sado. It is an artistic, spiritual and cultural pastime, that turns the act of making tea into an artful exercise of consciousness, similar to a meditation in motion. The principles behind the tea ceremony are known as wabi-sabi, which is defined as a celebration of "rustic elegance, quiet taste, refined beauty and the belief that objects gain value through use and age". These principles guide the root of the Japanese culture.
It is easy to host a modern tea ceremony in your home
Starting your own tea practice is very simple, you don't need much equipment. The enso sensory tea tables are beautiful pieces of furniture that are specifically designed for tea ceremonies. The kiri table is compact and foldable, you can easily take it anywhere you choose to have your tea ceremony. The uji table has a bit more presence, with a bottom board that allows you to store all your ceremonial tools, yet is also foldable and easy to setup.The below steps outline how to easily host a modern tea ceremony in your own home:
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CHOOSE THE LOCATION - place your enso sensory tea table in a quiet spot next to your window or in a covered outdoor area that will allow you to connect with your natural surrounding.
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GATHER YOUR TOOLS - clean, filtered water, a kettle, your favourite nontoxic teapot, your favourite nontoxic tea cup or bowl, quality tea from a reliable source (organic tea if possible), incense, and an offering (e.g. a flower in a vase) that helps to decorate the space for the ceremony.
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PURIFICATION RITUAL - wash your hands, rinse your mouth with water to symbolically rid yourself of the dust and dirt of the outside world. Leave behind all the negative thoughts and concerns. Set an intention for the ceremony, either silently or aloud. If you have guests, take pause to connect with your guests and absorb the moment.
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WARM AND PURIFY YOUR TOOLS - pour hot water onto the teapot, teacups and bowls to help keep the tea hot longer when it is poured.
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PREPARE THE TEA - heat the water in a traditional teakettle until it is just about to boil. Put some tea leaves into the teapot, transfer the water to the teapot, and watch the tea leaves unfurl.
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SERVE THE TEA - once brewed, pour the tea into individual cups or bowls. The host should invite guests to enjoy the tea either verbally or with a small hand gesture.
Throughout the ceremony pay close attention to the way each movement feels, looks, smells and sounds. The Japanese tea ceremony is believed to cater to the five human senses: beautiful surroundings, the fresh scent of tea, warmth from the bowl, the smooth taste , and the joyful moment of connection to an event that has been performed for many hundreds of years. The essence of the tea ceremony represents the four essential ideals that guide the Japanese life: wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility).
The tea ceremony is a mindfulness practice, you slow down enough so that you become one mind that is fully present in the moment. Such a practice allows you to let your feelings pass without judgement and to remain still and calm. Slowing down also allows you to take notice of the natural world around us.
The tea tables from enso sensory make it simple and beautiful to host a modern tea ceremony in your home. We’d love to see pictures of your ceremonies – please share with us how you enjoy this relaxing ritual in the comments below!
The tea ceremony is a mindfulness practice, you slow down enough so that you become one mind that is fully present in the moment. Such a practice allows you to let your feelings pass without judgement and to remain still and calm. Slowing down also allows you to take notice of the natural world around us.
The tea tables from enso sensory make it simple and beautiful to host a modern tea ceremony in your home. We’d love to see pictures of your ceremonies – please share with us how you enjoy this relaxing ritual in the comments below!
