Choose an activity that expands your knowledge, understanding and insights about another culture, way of knowing and/or being in the world. The nature of this activity should involve a culture, perspective or world-view that is unfamiliar to you and causes you to challenge taken-for-granted world-views, assumptions, beliefs, perspectives and thinking.
Reflective writing is a process that facilitates a deep, transformative, and unique learning experience. The insights you gain about yourself from participating in a cultural connection activity are meant to enhance your learning beyond articles and classroom activities.
Write a 500 word reflection of your experience and learning from the cultural connection activity that you participated in this week. This reflection should: briefly describe the cultural connection activity; explore personal growth in knowledge, thinking, attitudes and behaviors related to the cultural connection activity; and connect the discussion with course concepts and topics.
If you are struggling for where to begin your reflection, you may want to consider the following:
• Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about the culture, perspective, world-view, etc. prior to participating in the cultural connection activity.
• How have your thoughts and feelings motivated your behavior and actions in the past (as it relates to aspects of the cultural connection activity)?
• Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about the culture, perspective, world view, etc. during and following the cultural connection activity.
• In what ways will your behaviors and actions be different in the future based on your experience with this cultural connections activity?
• In what ways is my experience of the activity reflective of any theory, concept or topic I have learned about in class or class materials? Explain.
• How does my experience of this cultural connections activity challenge taken-for-granted world views, assumptions, beliefs, perspectives and thinking?
Full Answer Section
The tea ceremony itself was a beautiful and serene experience. The host's movements were graceful and precise, and the atmosphere in the tea room was peaceful and calming. I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail that the host paid to every aspect of the ceremony, from the way she prepared the tea to the way she arranged the teacups.
After the tea ceremony, I had a chance to talk to the host about her experiences and her knowledge of Japanese culture. I learned a great deal about the history and significance of the tea ceremony, as well as about other aspects of Japanese culture.
Personal Growth
My participation in the Japanese tea ceremony had a profound impact on me. It helped me to learn about a new culture and to challenge some of my taken-for-granted assumptions about the world.
One of the most important things I learned from the tea ceremony is the importance of mindfulness and presence. The tea ceremony is all about slowing down and appreciating the moment. The host pays close attention to every detail of the ceremony, from the way she prepares the tea to the way she serves it. This mindfulness and presence is something that I am striving to incorporate into my own life.
Another important thing I learned from the tea ceremony is the importance of hospitality. The host was incredibly welcoming and gracious. She made sure that I was comfortable and that I had everything I needed. This experience reminded me of the importance of being kind and welcoming to others, regardless of their background or culture.
Connection to Course Concepts and Topics
My experience of the Japanese tea ceremony is reflective of the concept of cultural competency. Cultural competency is the ability to understand and appreciate different cultures. It is also the ability to communicate and interact with people from different cultures in a respectful and effective way.
My participation in the tea ceremony helped me to develop my cultural competency in a number of ways. First, it helped me to learn about Japanese culture and to appreciate its unique traditions and customs. Second, it helped me to develop a better understanding of the importance of mindfulness and presence in Japanese culture. Third, it helped me to develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of hospitality.
My experience also challenged some of my taken-for-granted assumptions about the world. For example, I had previously assumed that all tea ceremonies are the same. However, I learned that there are many different types of tea ceremonies in Japan, each with its own unique set of rules and traditions. This experience taught me that it is important to be open-minded and to be willing to learn about new cultures and ways of doing things.
Conclusion
My participation in the Japanese tea ceremony was a valuable and transformative experience. It helped me to learn about a new culture, to develop my cultural competency, and to challenge some of my taken-for-granted assumptions about the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this ceremony, and I am committed to continuing to learn about and appreciate different cultures.
Sample Answer
Reflection
Prior to participating in the Japanese tea ceremony, I had very little knowledge about it. I knew that it was a traditional Japanese ritual that involved drinking tea, but I didn't know much about the specific steps or the cultural significance of the ceremony.
I was initially apprehensive about attending the tea ceremony, as I was worried about making a mistake or offending the host. However, the host was very welcoming and patient, and she explained the ceremony to me in detail.