The minimalism of tea
minimalism.com
“Emptiness does not merely imply simplicity of form, logical sophistication and the like. Rather, emptiness provides a space within which our imaginations can run free, vastly enriching our powers of perception and our mutual comprehension. Emptiness is this potential.” – Kenya Hara
The minimalism of tea
You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea
Tea is a an act complete in its simplicity.
When I drink tea, there is only me, and the tea.
The rest of the world dissolves.
There are no worries about the future.
No dwelling on past mistakes.
Tea is simple: loose-leaf tea, hot pure water, a cup.
I inhale the scent, tiny delicate pieces of the tea floating above the cup.
I drink the tea, the essence of the leaves becoming a part of me.
I am informed by the tea, changed.
This is the act of life, in one pure moment, and in this act the truth of the world suddenly becomes revealed: all the complexity, pain, drama of life is a pretence, invented in our minds for no good purpose.
There is only the tea, and me, converging.
Words by Leo Babauta inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s Tea Ceremony
01 – Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
The cookie jar: Un-purposing on purpose by Dorenda Crager Watson
Watering our plants: Simplifying our lives by choosing to focus by Carl Phillips
02 – Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03 – Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
MINIMAL: a thesis by Christian Schrei (article)
Architecture as language by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (video)
Write.as: writing app (tool/software)
04 – Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Wabi sabi by Beth Kempton (book)
Endel: soundscapes (tool)
Zen habits (blog)
05 – Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06 – Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can be about frugality and owning less, but it can also be about supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here’s several that you might be interested learning more about:
Form&Thread: Mindfully sourced garments
Lundi: Bags with elegance and functionality
Senreve: Minimal leather and vegan handbags
CDLP: Luxury essentials
Pini: Italian clothing for the modern man
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight bags
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
Oliver Cabell: Minimalist Italian footwear and accessories
OMNES: Sustainable and affordable fashion
ODA: The modular everyday bag and essentials
Pedestal: Minimal stands for your screens
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Luca Faloni: Luxury Italian men's clothing
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
Selfmade: Handmade eyewear
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com