After years of Japanese tea ceremony lessons, I longed for an appropriate uncluttered space of my own in which to practice. Installing a tea garden and hut was such a crazy idea, I knew I should take it seriously. After sharing tea in my hut with many different people, I am glad I acted on that impulse.
The mossy shade in the area I had in mind already felt like a tea garden. I added stepping stones, a granite lantern and a basin.
The hut dimensions allowed for a board with a screen, an acceptable alternative to the more common tokonoma alcove. I requested custom windows to illuminate the preparation area with soft light.
Tea utensils are staged in a corner. A friend made the shelf from a board that once served as a desk.
The tea garden and hut are one in my mind. The healing rhythms of nature are much in evidence here. But you do not need a tea hut to connect with nature’s nurturance.
All you need to do is slow down and pay full attention to enjoying a cup of tea.
Radiant Refuge 