What is a Tea Ceremony?

The type of Tea Ceremony we'll be practicing is called Cha Dao (meaning “the way of Tea”). This is an ancient Chinese practice that invites those who practice to “live life in a harmonious way with nature, respecting the lineage, slowing down when sitting for Tea, meditating with Tea, recognizing the chi (life force energy) exchange as well as the sacred mystery that every bowl of Tea offers.”[1]

In our ceremony we will be taking time to honor those this practice originates from as well as the land from which the Tea leaves were grown and the humans who harvested and dried them. Embracing the much larger community that shares in this sacred ceremony each time it is practiced.

What is fascia? What does self-fascia release do for my body?

Our fascia is a sensory organ that covers our entire body  beneath our skin, connecting our toes to our head and all of our organs to each part of us. It picks up on the body positions and the energies around us to pull us into subtle guarding positions when we feel unsure about a situation and allows us to react quickly when we are in danger. Our fascia tells our nervous system how to position our muscles!

Our fascia is the weblike matrix that covers each muscle and runs between each layer of tissue. It is a waterbased, collagen rich fluid that tenses up around our nerves and blood vessels to signal hormone and neurotransmitter be released for a sympathetic response. When we do self fascia releases, we are allowing the nerves and blood vessels to glide gently through the fascia web, reminding the body that we are safe to drop our guard.

What is somatic work?

Somatic therapies honor the connection between our mind and body. They work from the premise that our experiences are held in our tissues, and when we can revisit them in a safe space, we are able to process them and integrate them into ourselves.

Somatic work has been shown to help clients work through trauma, anxiety and physical pain.

I believe merging fascia work and somatic principles is very powerful in subtly reprogramming our system for adaptability and true presence.

What do I need to bring?

For Movement: Please wear something comfortable to move without restrictions and bring a yoga mat. We will provide bolsters, straps and tools that will be needed during the movement portion, but feel free to bring your own if you’d prefer.

For Tea: Just your beautiful self and an openness to meet yourself where you're at in this experience. We will provide all the components needed for the ceremony – this is an opportunity to show up and simply receive. Note: You may want to wear comfortable clothing as we will be sitting on the floor – if you are unable to sit on the floor for any reason please let me know and I will make sure we provide what you need to honor your body best.

What do I need do in a Tea Ceremony?

There is nothing for you to do but show up and be served Tea.

This ceremony is a form of silent meditation – I will guide us in the beginning and invite you to explore finding your own natural rhythm as sip each bowl of Tea side-by-side.

Note: It is said when a Tea Ceremony begins everything is perfect. This is a space to practice releasing the binary of “right” and “wrong” – there's an invitation here to relate differently to things that may arise within you like perfectionism. To move from brain to the whole body. To trust yourself and let your intuition guide you.
 

What can I expect after self fascia release and movement?

After our fascia work and movement, we will be rehydrating our cells with the beautiful tea offerings. 

For the next couple days, be sure to continue hydrating well with some gentle movements. Our fascia is like a net, so when we untangle one area, sometimes other spaces are then free to shake out its tangles. 

It is not uncommon to feel some new sensations throughout your body for the next few days. Gently tune in and continue moving through what is showing up for you. 

You may feel inspired to stay in the slow down for a bit.

 

Are Tea leaves edible?

They are. Since we will be drinking Tea in the leaves-in-a-bowl style, you may find yourself with a leaf or two in some of your sips. Invitation to trust yourself if you feel drawn to taste or digest a leaf.

Does the Tea we'll be drinking have caffeine in it?

Yes, all Tea has natural caffeine; however the wild Tea we will use in our ceremony is different than a highly concentrated Tea bag that you might be used to. The equivalent of this type of natural caffeine would be like eating a piece of chocolate. 

Can I still participate if I'm pregnant/have previous joint and/or muscle issues/am not super flexible?

Absolutely! The movements and fascia work offered will be very gentle and modifications will be given. Our intention with this class, is to reconnect with our inner senses to know what is just right for us, individually.