Tea Ceremony

It was a frigid winter night when a friend and I had the pleasure of participating in the tea ceremony, under the guidance of tea master John. Having been trapped in the neighborhood due to a blizzard, I was unsure how I would spend my evening or where I would seek refuge from the howling winds. Although I did not have an appointment, the host and his apprentices did not spare in their hospitality and I was permitted to attend that evening’s ceremony.
Galumphing through the snow, we approached the tea ceremony location as the Wolf Moon illuminated our path; we knew this ceremony would be special. Once inside, we rested momentarily in the waiting area where we were encouraged to take our time in entering a serene and tranquil state. I was even provided with socks for optimal comfort. This is the best ceremonial space dedicated exclusively to the quaffing of steeped beverages that I have been to in New York, perhaps even worldwide. The room was undoubtedly purified, and I felt immediate calm envelope us as we sat down on pillows to begin the ceremony. I don’t want to ruin the experience for visitors, so I won’t go into too many details about the subsequent hour, but I will say that it was a transformative experience. I was able to reach the optimal point of simultaneous placidity, introspection and communal transcendence.
An unforgettable experience! I will undoubtedly take part in many future ceremonies. If you are looking to jump-​start your life, fundamentally enlighten your soul, ground your being, or just need a little root or leaf therapy, look no further. Thank you to the ceremony leader and all of my fellow participants!

Walking into the ceremony I was instantly struck by the energy of the space. The décor serene yet dynamic– the mix of the vibrant crystals and the gleam of the large gong made me feel instantly transformed to another place, far from the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn.
The tea offerings were diverse as they were fragrant. We each had ample opportunity to thoroughly sniff each tea and let the flavor notes fully wash over us. After a briefly discussion we chose a mint variety and a St. Johns Wort mix. They were both extremely palatable!
One of my favorite moments of the evening was the passing of the singing bowl. It was my first experience sounding a singing bowl, and John, the host, was very patient in explaining and demonstrating the custom. As the bowl began to reverberate with sound, I feel a sense of placid power flowing through me.
Throughout the ceremony our host John was considerate and graceful. His movements and gestures were harmonious with the environment, and I left feeling buoyant and tranquil. Overall, the serendipitous nature by which we found ourselves participating in the ceremony filled me with gratitude for the unforeseen kindness of strangers, in particular our host John. I would absolutely recommend the ceremony to anyone!

Upon our entrance, the ceremonial hall had been cleansed and prepped with the aroma of incense burning. With comfortable cushions, relaxing medicine music, and East Asian décor, the experience was authentic and genuine. From the sounds of the singing bowl to the echoing words of DH Lawrence, our senses were stimulated in ways more than just gustatory. Even the lighting aligned perfectly with the mood for deep conversations.
The teas were exemplary. After sampling the scents of multiple blends, our companions chose the Serenity and Deep Lavender brews. Soothing. With a touch of skullcap and a tincture of frankincense, we were riding that wave of calm across all points of the body.
Thanks to the owner John for letting us in to his circle of tea passion. Quite the Brunswick experience.

As a lover of tea, poetry, peace, and prosperity, I found Tea Ceremony to be completely enriching and satisfying. If any of those things are up your alley then I suggest you try it out.

I leave every tea ceremony feeling calmer and more spiritual. Just bring non-​judgment and openness — but not your phone — and you’ll have an awesome experience.

Tea Ceremony offers an opportunity to completely escape the superficial and the gratuitous. I have never felt this relaxed in New York City before. There are no cell phones allowed providing the opportunity to truly connect to those around you. The selection and smells of the teas are incredible. I felt like I was drifting on a cloud through hanging gardens. Highly recommend. The poetry selection could be a bit broader but guests are welcome to bring their own.