Quiet Time is Healthy Time

Yesterday evening, I participated in a Japanese Tea Ceremony at a zendo.  This is a lovely, quiet ceremony that celebrates the harvest of the tea, but is also a meditative occasion.  One is given a sweet and a bowl of the finest green tea; but the preparation of the tea and presentation of the sweet and tea to the guests is an art unto itself.  We had a few moments of silent meditation to close the ceremony, and during this time, I shut out everything and everyone around me to cherish those minutes of quiet solitude.   All thoughts silenced; there remained only the breath.  When the wood blocks were clapped to signify the end of the meditation period, I rose and realized how calm, relaxed and 'nice' I felt.  I felt clean and refreshed; the remainder of my evening was joyous.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  A few minutes every day of just simple quiet time to yourself can do wonders for your health.  A little meditative breathing can help to regulate the heartbeat and lower the blood pressure.  It can help to clear your mind and shut down that 'silly voice' in your head that does nothing but ramble on and on all day long.  If you are ever lucky and privileged to be invited to a Japanese tea ceremony, attend with an open mind.  It is truly something special to be part of; thank you, Zensho and Yasuko for the honor!