Finding Your "10th Cow": Relieving Stress with a Daily Matcha Ritual

We all carry various responsibilities in our lives. Have you noticed how your inner stress and living pressures increase as these responsibilities accumulate

and sometimes even clash with each other? This mounting stress and pressure may indicate a missing element in our lives.

Here's a story that offers insight:

A diligent cowboy counted the ten cows on his farm every day after grazing.

One day, he learned to ride a cow and rode one back to the barn. Upon counting, he came up with, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9"—missing a cow. Panicked, he counted again: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9." With anxiety growing, he rushed to inform the farmer of the missing cow. Smiling, the farmer advised him to dismount and count once more. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10." The missing cow was found, and the cowboy relieved!

So, what is your "10th cow"?

For me, making specialty matcha daily offers a moment of clarity similar to the cowboy consulting the farmer, while journaling afterward helps me find my "10th cow."

Here’s is my matcha ritual:

1. Focus on my breath for a few seconds to center my mind.

2. Pour water at 75 degrees Celsius into a chawan and cleanse the chasen inside it.

3. Gently remove the chasen and inspect it, picking away any broken parts from the chajimi (inner ring) or hosaki (outer ring).

4. Empty the chawan and dry the inside with kitchen paper.

5. Scoop 2 grams of matcha powder into the chawan.

6. Add 60ml of water, then whisk with the chasen in a back-and-forth motion for 15 seconds.

7. Lift the chasen gently over the matcha surface to break any large bubbles.

8. Set the chasen aside, hold the chawan with both hands, and sip the matcha silently.

9. Place the chasen back into the chawan.

10. Use water to wash residual matcha from both the chasen and chawan,

then set the chasen aside and drink the water.

I begin journaling with a calm heart and a clear mind. This reflection continuously reminds me of my life's value and purpose.

If one doesn't demonstrate the value of life, how can they release inner stress and truly enjoy the joy of life?

I would love to know how you find your "10th cow."