I love the English tradition of having tea. It’s so civilized. And most days I feel like we could all use more of that in our life, being civilized. It’s hard to imagine being petty, spiteful or unrefined while having tea. It is essentially an adult “time-out,” and typically a much needed one. It matters not if you are in the middle of a high-powered business meeting, juggling children and errands, or trying to figure out your next steps in life, taking thirty minutes for tea will make everything seem manageable, I guarantee it.
I discovered this after having traveled to areas where this was the routine (it does go beyond England but typically where the British had established themselves oh so many years ago), and each and every tea break was absolutely delightful. I was able to decompress for those few moments. More often than not we get caught up in the flurry of the day, multi-tasking as if our lives depended on it (and sometimes they do) but we lose contemplation, a sadly discounted activity. I also find that although in many ways I thrive in chaos, making quick decisions, managing multiple problems at one time, it gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. Yet, day-in and day-out with this kind of pressure will get to even the strongest of people. So, why not stop for thirty minutes, chat with a friend (it can even be light business as needed), look up from the grind and for goodness sake enjoy a vanilla bean scone (my personal favorite) and feel like you are above the fray, even if just for a bit?
Besides, we all want to escape from reality for a time, fantasize of a time that we believe people lived with more control and less reaction (we hope anyway). Wouldn’t it be wonderful to master the art of contemplation and not reaction? I thought of this after a very frustrating personal experience attempting to close a deal with an individual that lacks many qualities I believe necessary for a good working relationship, qualities such as consistency, reliability, follow-through, you get my drift. But, what I noticed in myself was a lack of control building because I wasn’t taking time to contemplate my frustration or a better path. And, as a result, I ultimately told this person to shove it. I wonder, if I had taken time for tea, would I have been able to make my point in a more productive way? You know, not actually telling them to “shove it” but instead subtly and ever so politely alluding to it instead (using the British art of polite passive-aggressive communication) while sipping a nice cup of Earl Grey.
Well, if I’m honest, I probably would still tell that particular person to “shove it” but, it may have been more pleasant over tea, and, I really really really want to wear a hat and eat tiny treats. That’s a good enough reason isn’t it?