ALL WHO EVER HAVE
by Haojing
At Hvala, we too have a dream — that one day, through tea and art, we can better the world. But it is impossible for us to realise that dream on our own. Which was why we went out seeking. And the stars are slowly aligning, and the first gathering was born.
January 21, 2020
"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have."
~ Margaret Mead
What is required to change the world?
Some may say it is the idea. Others argue it is a strong leader. And history has a way of making it seem like certain ideas or revolutions that went on to change the world (be it for the better or worse) were the works of individuals.
Martin Luther King, Steve Jobs, Mother Teresa — the list goes on. These men and women were credited with moulding the world as we now know, because of their unwavering belief and idea of what the world should be. Truly, change often starts when people see something they feel isn't right or are not able to find something they think should exist. It begins with one's dissatisfaction with the world. And due to this deep sense of discontentment, the individuals searched long and hard for solutions, finally taking it upon themselves to be the change they wished to see.
"Their name may be a footnote in history but their work is no less important than those whose names we know by heart."
Without a doubt, the world will be a very different place without equality for men of all races, the iPhone or a lady whose name is synonymous with compassion. But what most people fail to realise is that behind each of these heroes stands a team of brilliant individuals who bought into the vision, made it their own and worked hard to bring what was just a dream into reality. Their name may be a footnote in history but their work is no less important than those whose names we know by heart.
At Hvala, we too have a dream. Perhaps one that is not as noble or grand as those mentioned above, but nevertheless one we strongly believe in.
A dream that one day, through tea and art, we can better the world. To act as an oasis in the desert of consumerism and endless pursuit of material. To be a chashitsu in the concrete wilderness welcoming wanderers to take a break and have a cup of tea. So that the world will see art differently, and through it, people's souls will be fed.
"(It is) a dream that one day, through tea and art, we can better the world. To act as an oasis in the desert of consumerism and endless pursuit of material."
But it is impossible for us to realise that dream on our own. Which was why we went out seeking. Seeking individuals who share the same dream as us.
We are grateful that in the past few months we have met many of them. Through conversations, we see new perspectives and possibilities. Though each of them can be as different as night and day (or kombucha and calligraphy), there is a special affinity that binds us.
Each burning with passion for their craft. Each possessing both mastery of their domain and yet retaining the ability to remain curious and innovative. Each sharing selflessly their experiences and offering words of advice. And each, with their own unique struggles and stories to tell.
We believe that it is these stories that can change the world, and our role is simply to narrate them. For stories have been changing the world for as long as they have existed. It may take a while, but we believe it will happen. One stroke, one cup and one kombucha at a time.