Standing outside the roped off rectangular area, we were onlookers to a most amazing spectacle...soon to become participants. First time ever at the 10th Anniversary World Tea Expo, the Wu Wo Tea Ceremony commenced. Brewing, steeping, pouring, serving followed. I had read up on this type of ceremony and what takes place, but I was not prepared for the wave of emotion that ensued. The sheer impact of SHARING was palpable, and the wave hit me like diving into the ocean of human consciousness and peace. Tears formed and were not kept from flowing. My heart expanded in that moment to a new understanding of tea and its power in raw form.

Not just its power to heal physically, but tea's power to heal communally. A bringing together of all diversities, with no words needed, just simple sharing of one's brew with others in close proximity. Truly amazing. I couldn't peel my eyes, nor my heart, away from witnessing.

In this Wu Wo Ceremony, volunteers sat lined around the rectangle. They had brought with them their own teapot, teacups, tray and any other tea brewing accoutrement they wish to set their personal tea brewing space. There were ones serving from fine China, some using modern tea wares, and those preparing in traditional Asian ceremonial style. It really ranged the spectrum of cultures and techniques.

The first steep was shared with three other participants to their left. The second steep was shared with three spectators. This is the point where lines blured and brewers and spectators all became participants, no separation. A third steep and a forth steep was prepared to share as well. All this was done in silence. No chit chat, no elaborate explanation to impress with tea knowledge, no competition, no experience necessary. Just the love of tea, a personal relationship with their own tea ceremonial preparation, the desire to share that love with others, and the openess to receive in kind.

It was so moving to be part of this event, it still brings me to tears as I write this, reminising the pure joy and beauty of human sharing through tea. At the end of it all, we had made connections and friends, without ever speaking a word. I knew right away this was something I had to bring home to DiscoverTeas to continue the sharing, to honor the movement that was created in that moment. Watch our calendar for an upcoming Wu Wo Ceremony!

No really, this blog post doesn't have much to do about tea specifically. But in a round about kind of way, it has everything to do with it in my life. Follow me here...

When I was only 16, my big brother was graduating high school at 18. And much to my family's surprise, he signed up to join the Army, going off to boot camp right after graduation. I lovingly and jokingly called him the 'rebel conservative' of our very liberal family unit. My brother a soldier? Really??

Well, twenty five years later, he is a very accomplished retired Major, and I am more than proud of what he's done with his journey in the military. I can't imagine the sites he's seen or the trials he's had to endure along the way. I consider us close at heart; however, he's protected me from all of those details by not sharing too much of it with me. I get the feeling he doesn't want me to know just how horrific the world can be at times. He's always been protective of me as his little sister. Maybe that's one of the things that called to him to be a soldier. A protector he is.

He once mentioned to me in conversation years ago that sometimes he felt like he took the easy way by going into the military, not having to deal with 'real life' or struggle with having to find a job. I laughed! I told him I couldn't imagine a more difficult job than being a soldier! The physical, mental and emotional demands seem beyond what I would be capable of myself. Having to leave home and family to go to a foreign country at the drop of a hat. Having no choice to cop out, but forced to face fears head on. Seeing battle and the consequences of it. Nope, I don't know how they do it.

All I know is that I am blessed that they do what they do. And I have no doubt that it is because they do, that I am able to have the life that I do...peacefully playing with tea. And I am grateful beyond words.

My father was in the military, so was my husband. My brother, sister-in-law, cousins, co-workers and their families. I know what it's like to hold my breath for a year waiting for my brother's tour to be over and he was home from Iraq. And then to have to do it again. And watch my family do the same, huddling close together in prayer. So many people around my circle face the challenges of having loved ones in the military.

Directly and indirectly, we are all effected. We have the luxury of going home after a hard day's work. Kissing our spouse on the cheek any time we want. Hugging our friends at church. Expressing our creativity and our joys. Earning a living and giving back to the community. All these daily actions and more are fought for and protected by our military. Thank you for your service.