Ep 163 In this episode of Journey to Your Best Self, Brian and Tara O’Neil sit down with Drew Hanson, a licensed teacher in the Urasenke tradition and founder of Boka Kuan Japanese Tea House and Garden. Together, they explore the timeless practice of chado—the Japanese tea ceremony—and how it offers a path toward mindfulness, presence, and self-discovery. Drew shares how intention, ritual, and simplicity can deepen our daily lives, and why the tea house is more than just a space—it's a sanctuary.

Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to the art of stillness, this episode invites you to slow down, tune in, and experience the profound tranquility that lives within each cup of tea.

Takeaways

• The Japanese tea ceremony is a meditative ritual rooted in intention and presence.

• Every aspect of the tea experience is designed to awaken the senses and quiet the mind.

• Creating tranquil, intentional spaces can promote inner harmony.

• The principles of chado—harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility—can transform how we live.

• Personal growth often begins in stillness and service to others.

  
  

Timestamps(00:00) – Introduction to the Art of Tea(04:00) – Understanding the Japanese Tea Ceremony(12:48) – The Experience of Presence and Mindfulness(19:16) – Intentionality in Everyday Life(24:49) – The Role of the Teacher in Tea Practice(34:42) – The Structure and Hierarchy of Tea Practice(46:34) – The Cultural Significance of Tea in Japan(49:59) – The Essence of Matcha and Its Benefits(56:16) – The Energy Exchange in Tea Ceremonies(01:01:56) – Finding Harmony and Tranquility Through Tea

Guest LinksVisit Drew Hanson’s tea house at njgreentea.com

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