Mindfulness in the Mundane

Those who know me know that I keep a fairly neat house, but most probably don't know that I'm not the most disciplined when it comes to regular housecleaning. Often what happens is that I get started on a task and then I notice something that seems more pressing in the moment (or that I'd simply prefer to be doing), and I eventually end up several tasks removed from the initial one without much really being accomplished. I'm left feeling ineffective and dissatisfied with much of the work still looming.

On a recent afternoon, I was determined to dedicate a few hours to cleaning, staying focused long enough to complete several tasks. I got almost all of it done, and what I didn't finish was simply the result of running out of time, which allowed me to feel just fine about it. Not only did I feel pleased with what I'd accomplished, my mind felt calmer and freer than when I'd begun because I'd been fully engaged with each task. What was clear is that this effort required not only intention, but sustained mindfulness, start to finish.

A friend recently reminded me of Thich Nhat Hanh's brilliant, little book, The Miracle of Mindfulness. There are many treasured teachings in this book, but one that stands out right now is a section on washing the dishes: "There are two ways to wash the dishes. The first is to wash the dishes in order to have clean dishes, and the second is to wash the dishes in order to wash the dishes." Thich Nhat Hanh says the second way is the only way to be fully alive, to realize the "miracle of life while standing at the sink."

During this Thanksgiving season, I challenge us all to see the miracles in the mundane.

💜

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