Ichi go Ichi e

Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会) is a concept connected to Japanese Tea Ceremony. It expresses the ideal and impermanent way of tea. Some expressions are beyond translation, 一期 一会 roughly means “one encounter; one opportunity,” or as it was said to me when I lived in Tokyo, “one meeting; one chance.”

In Japanese tea ceremony we honor those with us in the garden and ancestors who have been here before us. We respect the moment because it can never be recreated. Like tea, spending time together may be familiar, but each encounter is unique.

And here we are, in this moment.

With love ♥️,

James Wogan, LCSW

Photos courtesy of google images. Let me know if they’re yours. + s/o to artist and Ink Slinger Marissa Walker