The way of tea

Or how tea made me embark on a life-changing journey …

 A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to go on a tea trip to Japan. Never could I have imagined that this trip would be decisive for my career path.

 Before my trip to Japan, my fascination for the Japanese tea ceremony was primarily related to the prevailing etiquette. However, when experiencing this ceremony in its country of origin, it suddenly made me realize that I had only been seeing a small part of the whole.

 The Japanese tea ceremony eventually made me question my way of life.

 Tea taught me to appreciate the joy in everything I encounter. All my senses were engaged during the tea ceremony: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Tea just let me savor the thrill of that moment.

So tea became a way to empty my mind and to live in the now. It taught me to relish each day to the fullest, whatever that day may bring.

What I also love about the Japanese tea ceremony is the fact that inside the tea room there is no judgment on who you are. Whether you are rich or poor, small or tall, intelligent or not, it doesn’t matter. Tea accepts everyone just as they are.

 This is why I decided to integrate these principles in my coaching practice, where I coach people who are going through a personal crisis. Step-by-step, with tea as my guide, I help people to transform, to celebrate their imperfections and re-gain joy in life.

Carol Bailleul, The art of Tea Brewing