Every Day Is a Good Day

The book I am carrying around right now is "Every Day Is a Good Day" (by Noriko Morishita).

Tea practice is changing me.
No matter how many times I read this book, it touches my heart.

Even though I should have been reading it for years now,
I feel more and more as I begin to learn the way of tea.

Although Mutchan and I remain secret weapons as always,
we sometimes join the other members of the group.

This is the kindness of my teacher.
It is also necessary to be polished among others.

I played the role of a guest, and I felt there were still many things I was missing and that I couldn't remember them.

My mind was empty to begin with.

I sit in front of the hanging scroll, place my folding fan down, and offer a greeting.

As I gaze at it, I feel the words from the hanging scroll.

I cannot hear the sound of a flowing waterfall.
But I have received something.

I start to feel that way.

The small wild flowers and plants also speak to me.

Until now, I had just stared at them without feeling anything at all.

Strangely, I can hear the breathing from every corner of the room.
Is this the true thrill of tea?

Every single day is a good day.

On a practice day, my teacher, who should be as busy as a tuna, said to me, "Let's go to a tea gathering again."

Ah, from now on, tea gatherings will come frequently.

What is it that makes me enjoy placing myself in the midst of tension and relaxation?

The world of tea has an immeasurable depth.

Only my tea practice will continue on for a long time yet.

And while repeating mistakes,
continuing to be toyed with by the ladle,
I will move forward little by little.

I miss the Bonryaku Temae (tray tea ceremony).
I could do it,
but I don't have the confidence to do it properly.

Moving forward is hell, and going back is hell.

Every day is a good day.