What the Monks Can Teach us about Washing Dishes
For most of us, there’s nothing more boring than washing dishes, cleaning up after a festive evening or mopping bathroom floors.
Yet ironically, there’s something so deeply satisfying about the sparkly sheen and outcome of these mundane tasks. We love the feeling of freshness but not always the process. Quite frankly our personal glow up is brighter when our homes, personal spaces and worlds are in order.
As a design team we obsess about every detail. Every lampshade is turned with the seam to the back, every bulb is exactly the right wattage for each room, housewares are unpacked and organized into the correct drawers and everything is placed intuitively to maximize functionality and freedom for our homeowners, clients and friends.
So it’s no surprise that monks have alot to say about the importance of cleaning rituals. The very act of washing a cup after morning coffee or tea is a celebration of life and longevity. We are here and now. We are gifted a new day. And that’s priceless.
According to the wisdom tradition of our Buddhist brothers and sisters when we take the time to prepare and eat a meal, part of the process is cleaning it up. If we enjoy the serenity of a well-designed space, there’s satisfaction in maintaining it daily. A clean sink, spotless vanity or well organized laundry brings infinite joy when we’ve personally contributed to its creation. Life is well lived when we are an active participant.
Do you have a dreaded task that seems to pile up week after week? Could you combine it with something you love like a favorite playlist, a fresh candle or soothing scent? What’s the one thing you appreciate about your personal space but don’t know how to do yourself? Leave a comment below and share your CRATE ideas!
