The 7 habits of highly effective tea people #5

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The fifth habit of the '7 habits of highly effective people' book is 'Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood'. It is a habit of empathic communication that involves a deep shift in paradigm. We typically seek first to be understood. Instead, most people listen to the reply. They’re either speaking or preparing to speak. This habit encourages us to listen with the intent to understand, not just reply.

Empathy is a crucial aspect of communication that can be applied to various aspects of life, including tea making. To apply the fifth habit of ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ to tea making, one can start by listening to the person who is going to drink the tea. This also applies to oneself when we are making tea for ourselves. Ask the person about their preferences, such as the type of tea they like, the strength of the tea... By listening to their preferences, you can make a cup of tea that is tailored to their liking. 

Another way to apply empathy to tea making is by observing the person’s body language and facial expressions. If they seem stressed or anxious, you can make them a cup of tea with calming properties. If they seem tired or fatigued, you can make them a cup of tea with energizing properties. Finally, you can also apply empathy by sharing a cup of tea with someone. Tea drinking is often associated with socializing and building relationships.

In the context of learning (gongfu) tea from a tea master, this habit of first understand what the master meant is also a great principle to make progress.

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Note: The 18 products at -18% for 18 days to celebrate 18 years of tea business ends in a couple days...