As I write this, a cup of silver needle inspiring my morning, I imagine that many of us are feeling anxious about current events - seeking simple solace with a fine tea. I intentionally allowed some of the leaves to escape the gaiwan lid hoping for them to leave a message in the bottom of my cup. This morning I also reached for a ceramic cup that was a gift from my friend Catherine. She is a ceramic artist. Most of her work is sculptural but she is a fine potter. I loved watching her at the wheel. For her, centering seemed effortless and her porcelain cylinders emerged like dancers from the mound of raw clay. When her hands touched clay, she could separate herself from the chatter of the surrounding room and enter her creative zone.

There is a concept in pottery called centering. It is what a potter must do to the mound of clay before he can proceed. But the real act of centering happens first within the mind and body of the artist. Of all the elements that must be controlled, the most difficult is the synchronization of mind and body. The other elements are air, water, texture, force and speed. There are some parallels to crafting and brewing tea.

The potter must select the proper clay and wedge it (like kneading bread) to remove pockets of air and to soften it to the right consistency for wheel work. The wheel must rotate at a comfortable and consistent speed. The addition of water during the process is usually necessary but must be managed with care. The actual act of centering happens when the potter moves the clay on the center of the wheel into an unwobbling pivot. And for the remainder of the work on the piece, the “center” must be maintained. As the interior well is deepened and the walls are raised, the potter must keep a focus of mind coordinated with body. Throwing clay is a whole mind and body experience. But for ceramic artists, achieving that peacefulness is a much greater accomplishment and reward than the final product.

We who enjoy specialty teas - loose leaf teas - come to enjoy the ritual of controlling the quality and temperature of the water. Most of us have a collection of pots, cups and assorted devices which add pleasure and intrigue to the experience. But, like the focused centering that the potter establishes with the clay, it is possible to experience a relaxation and clarity of mind when we stop to savor a rare, carefully prepared tea.

As I continue asking why tea has inspired art and spiritual pursuits for so many centuries, one of the most obvious answers is that it can help us experience something like the creative zone. It is true beyond the arts to many other artistic and spiritual practices. But it is the potter who uses the spinning as part of the process. The centrifugal force is managed and becomes useful.

We use many techniques to manage the feeling that we are spinning out of control. Some of us focus on preparing and enjoying tea. The events of the last few weeks have left us all feeling like things around us are spinning without center. We are wobbling and unsettled. It is a time to focus on the preparation and pleasure of tea.

The message of the leaves?

Even after the second infusion, the silver needles remain unopened, settled in a clump. I pull the leaves apart, all three still whole and fastened to the bit of stem. I see no message of either doom or prosperity. But I am reminded that we can all hold beauty in the palm of our hand - one tiny bud or one gentle teacup at a time.

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