The Way of Tea follows many principles derived from Taoism and Zen Buddhism. These principles inform a life of tea and the practices that support this way of life. The winter time is ideal for meditation, introspection, and inner work. In this workshop, we’ll explore the relationship between three important practices that facilitate a more mindful and intentional life: Meditation, Tea Ceremony and Writing. We’ll explore the relationship between these practices with ample time given for writing practice.

The first half of the workshop will include seated, guided meditation followed by a formal tea ceremony. The second half of the workshop will include a short walking meditation followed by guided writing exercises to inspire your own writing practice with suggestions for continuing the practice throughout the winter (and life). Zen anecdotes and reflections will be sprinkled throughout.

Colin Hudon, physician of Chinese Medicine and student of tea for more than fifteen years, will be guiding the first half of the workshop.

Katie Arnold, published author and longtime Zen practitioner will co-facilitate, and guide the second half of the workshop.  Katie is a longtime journalist and editor, and author of the critically-acclaimed memoir Running Home. Her next book, Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World, will be published in April 2024. An elite ultra runner, she credits her joy and success in running to her deep Zen and writing practices. She leads Mountain and River Flow Camps throughout the Southwest, focusing on daily habits such as writing, wilderness, and meditation that cultivate presence and flow. A longtime Santa Fean, she lives with her husband and two teenage daughters.