Cleaning as a Mindfulness Practice
Our home may not be as spotless and sparse as a Zen temple, but when I see the clutter and dust in other people’s homes, it serves as a gentle reminder of how far we’ve come on our journey towards mindful living. This is not a judgment on others, nor a proclamation of our cleaning prowess, but rather a recognition of the valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way.
You see, for me, cleaning and decluttering are not just chores to be dreaded, nor are they a means to achieve a perfectly pristine living environment. Rather, they are mindfulness practices – opportunities to be present in the moment and to find joy in the simple acts of caring for our home.
As Leo Babauta of Zen Habits so eloquently writes, “Wiping things down, mindfully, is just as full of wonder as any other moment in my life. I do the same as I wash dishes, declutter my closet or shelf, wipe down the sink or toilet, sweep. Each moment I spend doing these things is joyful wonder, and I am grateful for the moment I’m in.”
The Art of Mindful Cleaning
When I’m cleaning, I make a conscious effort to be fully present in the task at hand. I don’t let my mind wander to the next item on my to-do list or dwell on past frustrations. Instead, I focus my attention on the sensations of the moment – the feel of the rag against the counter, the sound of the broom sweeping across the floor, the sight of the dust and crumbs being whisked away.
I also try to approach each cleaning task with a sense of gratitude and compassion. Before I start, I take a moment to remember all that I have to be thankful for – the roof over our heads, the loved ones who share this space with me, the simple tools and materials that make this work possible. And I remind myself that I’m cleaning not just for the sake of a tidy home, but out of a genuine desire to create a nurturing, comfortable environment for myself and my family.
As the blog Evermore Long so beautifully captures, “I should note that I learned a lot of this from FlyLady, the gracious and mindful staff at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, and from Dogen’s Instructions for the Tenzo.” This notion of drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources has been invaluable in my own journey towards mindful homekeeping.
Cultivating a Mindful Mindset
Of course, maintaining a mindful approach to cleaning and decluttering isn’t always easy. There are times when I find myself succumbing to old habits of rushing through tasks, or getting caught up in negative thoughts and emotions. But when I notice these tendencies creeping in, I gently bring my attention back to the present moment.
As Erin Mahollitz of Magical Homemaking advises, “Don’t banish the thoughts, but notice them. Then return to the cleaning. Notice too as you clean your body, and your breathing. Notice everything about the moment, immerse yourself in the moment.”
It’s a practice, to be sure, but one that has truly transformed my relationship with cleaning and decluttering. Instead of viewing these tasks as burdens, I now see them as opportunities to slow down, connect with my senses, and cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for the space I call home.
Bringing Mindfulness Home
Of course, mindful homekeeping extends far beyond just cleaning and decluttering. It’s about approaching all aspects of our home life with a sense of presence, intention, and care. Whether I’m preparing a meal, tending to our small garden, or simply spending time with my family, I strive to bring that same mindful awareness to every activity.
And I’m not alone in this pursuit. As the Cozy Home Chronicles blog highlights, there’s a growing movement of individuals and families who are embracing mindful living practices, from creating “mindful deeds” advent calendars to finding creative ways to involve children in the process.
It’s a journey, to be sure, but one that I’m deeply grateful to be on. By cultivating a mindful approach to our home and daily routines, I’ve not only found greater joy and fulfillment in the present moment, but I’ve also laid the foundation for a more sustainable, intentional way of living.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending cycle of cleaning and household tasks, I encourage you to take a step back and consider adopting a more mindful approach. You might be surprised at the sense of calm, gratitude, and wonder that can come from simply being present in the moment, rag in hand, as you tend to the space you call home.
And if you’re in the Nottingham area and looking for a cleaning service that shares this mindful ethos, be sure to check out Adam Cleaning. They’re a local company that’s committed to providing top-notch cleaning services with a focus on sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and – you guessed it – mindfulness.
