The author experienced a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, which provided a serene escape from the chaos outside. The ceremony, led by a monk from the Myoshinji sect, was a masterclass in ritual and mindfulness, with every gesture infused with purpose and meaning. The host explained that the full ceremony takes two hours, but the condensed version they offered was still deeply immersive. The author was struck by the attention to detail, including the selection of seasonal flowers and sweets, which reflected the context of the time and day. The tea itself was intensely bitter yet complex, and the slow pace created an internal clearing for reflection. The experience was not just a performance but a practice that has continued for centuries, offering a glimpse into Japan's philosophical approach to life and the concept of "ma" – negative space charged with possibility.