When preparing matcha, the first step is to reach for the natsume, a small wooden container that holds the vibrant green tea powder. Then, with a calm and steady hand, I scoop a portion of matcha using the slender chashaku (tea scoop). As I transfer the powder into the matcha bowl, there’s an indescribable stillness—a kind of reverence for the moment.
Just the act of preparing matcha naturally makes me stand a bit taller, feeling more centered and calm. With each tea tool I touch, I feel its texture, its weight, and even its warmth through my fingertips. Focusing on the motion of the chashaku as it gathers the matcha powder creates a sense of peace, making the usual rush of daily life fade away, as if time itself has slowed down.
Every time I prepare matcha, I find that how I whisk it reflects my mood that day. Sometimes, I might crave a stronger, thicker brew to energize myself, while other days, I feel like a lighter, more delicate tea to soothe my mind. These subtle variations seem to mirror my inner state at the time. For instance, if I need focus, a bolder matcha is my choice. When I want to unwind, I prepare it lightly, letting the tea bring a quiet calm.
As I focus on handling the chashaku carefully, I realize how special matcha itself becomes in that moment. Gazing at the matcha powder, I bring it close to my nose and inhale its naturally sweet, grassy aroma. The scent fills my senses, bringing a refreshed, almost heightened awareness to the present.
Another aspect I treasure is preparing matcha with my favorite tea tools. Take my beloved natsume, for example. Made of wood with a delicate grain, it has developed a beautiful sheen over the years, deepening in color each time I use it. My chashaku, too, gains character with age, its once light color slowly darkening as I continue to use it. Over time, these tools have become more than objects; they’ve become trusted companions, gathering memories and becoming more familiar with each use.
There’s a unique joy in “cultivating” these tools over time. It enhances my experience of drinking matcha, turning it into a richer ritual. Each step of preparing tea brings small moments of joy and peace to my day. By immersing myself in this process, I’m able to focus entirely on the present and connect with myself, allowing each sip to be a cherished experience.
These moments with matcha have become what I consider a “special pause” in the middle of everyday life—something small, yet deeply fulfilling. Perhaps you, too, might find value in a quiet, mindful moment with matcha. It doesn’t take much—just some stillness, a gentle focus, and the rich, earthy taste of matcha. This time can become a source of calm and clarity, restoring balance in our otherwise busy lives.
Why not give yourself the gift of a quiet moment with matcha? That time of reflection may bring you a lasting sense of peace and grounding.
