Most of us don’t enjoy doing the small chores around the house that are part of everyday life. For various reasons we would rather be doing almost anything other than dusting, washing dishes or scrubbing the toilet. Something I’ve been doing for a while is transforming housework into an opportunity to practice mindfulness.
Rather than thinking, “Wow this really sucks, I could be out drinking with friends (or walking, or reading a book)!” or planning that trip to Morocco you’ve always wanted to take, place your attention on the task at hand. If you find your mind starting to wander, return to the feel of the sponge gliding over the surface being cleaned or the swing of the broom as you sweep. It may be difficult at first to focus for more than a minute or two at a time, but just keep returning to the task each time you notice that you’re off on a beach in the Carribean, or skiing down a Swiss mountain. With practice you’ll find it gets easier and (surprise!) your chores no longer seem to take nearly as long and become no big deal.
March 04, 2009, 12:00am Link
