Focusing and cups of tea

Thich Nhat Thanh, the Buddhist monk, said

“Drinking a cup of green tea stops the war”.

For some years I had this phrase written in big letters on my kitchen wall. It was to remind me to make my cup of tea in an atmosphere of peace. Simply by focusing on the activities involved in making the green tea, I could be conscious in the moment. Doing nothing but filling up the kettle with water; switching it on; selecting a tea bag. Putting it in the mug; making sure I’m doing it all peacefully and full of awareness, not just on automatic pilot. Pouring the boiling water onto the tea bag. Sipping my tea. And with every sip, being aware that in a place of peace within me, there is no room for war.

In business, behaving like this is often called focusing. When you ignore all other distractions, and channel your mind to the task in question. When you bring your soul into your business, then not only do you focus, but you bring into the equation this inner aspect of peace. All your work becomes filtered through this inner atmosphere; all your conversations with clients are in the context of this state of being; and all your writing is done from a settled attitude of harmony and good feelings within.

Next time you have a coffee or tea break, try ‘drinking your cup of green tea and stopping the war’. Then translate that feeling into the next task you are doing, and see the difference.