Hosted by Tushita Teehaus & Gallery
SILENT PRACTICE WITH BRUSH, INK AND TEA
Traditional Chinese calligraphy and the tea ceremony merge into a profound mindfulness practice. Here, brushes, ink, and rice paper serve not as artistic tools, but as instruments of perception that lead to a clear, inner focus. Because neither specific words nor forms are required, space opens up for the direct experience of rhythm, breath, and stillness.
The workshop is an intentional three-part journey:
Center: We begin with tea to regulate the breath and direct attention inward.
Connect: We transition to the conscious, rhythmic movements of the brush to invite a deep sense of calm.
Integrate: We close by anchoring these insights, easing the transition back into everyday life.
This practice is quiet, clearly structured, free from performance demands, and requires no prior knowledge.
First Phase - Arrival & Tea (approx. 30 minutes)
We begin by settling into the space and consciously leaving the rush of daily life behind. The tea is prepared in silence with simple, deliberate movements. As you drink, gently blowing on the hot tea naturally slows your breathing, acting as an immediate grounding practice that warms the body and focuses the mind.
To prepare for the next step, participants will share a set of tools in small groups of 3 or 4. I will introduce the ink, brushes, and rice paper, demonstrate how to hold the brush correctly, and guide you through the process step by step.
Second Phase - Rhythmic Brush Meditation (approx. 40 minutes)
Next, we work with the calligraphy elements through slow, repetitive movements. The focus remains entirely on the process rather than creating symbols or shapes:
Rhythm of Movement: Guiding the brush at a steady, mindful pace.
Brush Pressure: Consciously feeling the varying intensity of the brush against the paper.
Breath Synchronization: Aligning your breath with each stroke, such as exhaling with the movement—to release physical tension and enter a meditative state.
Third Phase - Reverberation & Integration (approx. 20 minutes)
Finally, we return to the tea to round off the experience. Building on the stillness of the brush meditation, we enjoy the remaining tea in quiet awareness. This final phase allows the insights of the session to settle without the need for analytical discussion or the pressure to speak, facilitating a smooth, grounded transition back into your day.
Accompanying Workbook
Max. 8 participants, 12 pieces of rice paper per participant.
All calligraphy equipment (including 12 sheets of rice paper per participant, brushes, and ink), along with the complete tea set, are provided.
A choice of high-quality white teas, including Jasmine Pearl, Moon Tea, and Thé de Libellule.
About the host
Zoe (stage name: Knochitaub) grew up in China and has lived in Germany for many years, blending traditional Chinese calligraphy with contemporary mindfulness practices. Her work focuses on the profound, meditative qualities of rhythm, movement, and raw materials. Through her workshops, Zoe creates clear, intentional spaces centered entirely on personal experience—free from performance pressure and purely artistic demands.
Language: German
Tickets: 79€
