I've always had this foggy awareness that my short-term memory is not what it should be. When I was 4th grade, I got a very bad grade in Social Studies. I just couldn't remember to bring in a newspaper article every week, so my teacher gave me an "F." At the time, I didn't realize the importance of good grades. All I remember is being yelled at, and how awful it felt. These memory lapses have continued to haunt me in my adulthood, but thankfully never with serious consequences.
When I came to Japan, I had a list of things I wanted to try: calligraphy, ikebana, karate, taiko, origami. Tea ceremony appeared nowhere on that list, so when the local teacher approached me and asked me to learn, I was reluctant: it's my worst nightmare, having to remember a detailed series of actions. I often went begrudgingly, performed the tasks that I perceived to be mechanical without thinking and always messing up, and was relieved when it was over.
A year and a half later, it finally clicked.
Tea ceremony is not mechanical at all. It is about comfort, beauty and simplicity. The way the tea bowl is held, carefully wiped, and heated is all meant to make your guests feel comfortable and special. Where I once performed the tasks to get them over with, I now go out of my way to make my movements fluid and beautiful. I think my tea teacher noticed...she doesn't speak a word of English but we somehow understand each other.
Japan, you are modifying my brain...for the better.
No comments:
Post a Comment