When we allow simple things to fill the space

notes from a ceremony of tea

Photo by 五玄土 ORIENTO on Unsplash

My friend and I parked at the given address and followed the instructions to walk down one laneway and then another. Past the big tree that overhangs the path, we were told. Keep going until you reach a fence adorned with brown fabric. Through the curtain was a gate. Through the gate was the teahouse. 

It was raining on this evening. We navigated puddles and uneven pavers, which all felt like part of the adventure. When we arrived at the teahouse, it was dark and quiet inside. Soft music played. Candlelight flickered. The room was warm with woodsmoke, and our host sat still with all he needed within arms reach: several teapots on wood burners, a set of ceramic bowls, and a table on which to pour and serve. 

Many thoughts passed through me during the ceremony, which was like watching a peaceful dance and being part of a loving exchange with tea. But the thought that has stayed with me most since that evening was about simplicity. There were no introductions or explanations. There was no official opening or closing. It opened and closed without ceremony; we were here to share and appreciate the tea and the moment itself. 

The tea was served with beautiful, simple, perfect repetition. Each round, I sat with just me and this bowl of tea cupped in my hands. I watched the steam rise and swirl in ribbons. I listened to the rain falling gently outside, noticing how warm and at peace I felt inside. We sipped. 

When it was all brought back to essentials, those essentials bloomed to fill the space, and I wanted for nothing. 

We don’t need a lot, in the end. 

We spend so much of our lives chasing more than we need. Stressing that we don’t have enough, that we ourselves are not enough. 

In the end, what is there? 

Connection. 

Presence. 

Nourishment. 

Safety. 

Love. 

When we allow simple things to fill the space, we might realise that we already have everything we need. 

Thank you for sharing this space with me,

Amy

P.S. This Sunday is Mother’s Day here in Australia. If, like me, you are missing yours, I wrote a story for this month’s Big Issue that you might find comforting. I’d love for you to find a seller and support them by buying a copy. But if you are not in Aus/can’t get a copy and would like to read it, just reply to this email and I’ll share it with you ❤️