Sheila Fling, Soshin — Chado Austin

Sheila Fling

Sheila began studying and giving presentations on Chado and aspects of Japanese culture in 1992, and has taught Chado since 1998. She and her tea students have done over 180 presentations for school and university classes, art museum programs as well as for small clubs and large organizations.

She has also presented tea ceremonies on six continents including Japan, India, Tanzania, US, Peru, Russia, and Australia. Her 27 years of research, teaching, and service for cross-cultural understanding led to her being honored with the Bridge of Friendship Award by the Japan America Society of Greater Austin in 2019.

Sheila was introduced to Chado in 1992, at Seisen-An Temple in Ouda, Nara, Japan (Abbot John Toler). She also studied at Midorikai, Non-Japanese Students Division of Urasenke Gakuen Professional College of Chado, in Kyoto, and with teachers in the United States including Nabeta Tanaka (Soyu) since 2008. Sheila has received thirteen licenses and four teaching certificates including Junkyoju (Advanced Degree Instructor) and the tea name Soshin from the Urasenke Foundation in Kyoto.

Dr. Fling also taught university chemistry for ten years and psychology for thirty years. Upon retirement from Texas State University she was designated a Distinguished Professor Emerita. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Texas, Austin, and worked with children, adults, and elders in hospitals, clinics, and private practice. She has lectured, held workshops and published articles on holistic health, communication skills, meditation/contemplation, Chado, and world religions.