We live in a very small apartment and have no dishwasher. We don't even have laundry hook-up. We have lived here for about six years, so it is normal for us. When we first moved in, I thought that simplifying my life would be very zen and would help me focus on what was important. It did, sometimes. I also had to move here because it was cheaper, but I like to focus on the glass being half full. So, my glass is half full of that lemonade I made out the of the lemons life has doled out. Perspective is everything.
Every now and again I will have some sort of spiritual experience around household tasks and I inevitably fall into pondering the universe, the sensual experience of cleaning house, and the meaning of life in general. Usually I am in a dead rush to get the cleaning done, cook an allergen free meal, homeschool two children, work two jobs, and keep up with doctor appointments. But, today, I was off from my work at the library and had some time to slow down and catch up on household maintenance.
Washing dishes can really be a lovely experience, if you can take the time to think about washing dishes. The hot water with lemony smelling soap, the soap suds, the soft cloth you wash with. It is a very satisfying thing to see the progression of dishes making their way from the "dirty" side to the "clean" side. Something about it feels renewing. Today my senses feasted on the tangy smell of cleaner, the crisp feel of clean linens as I made the bed, the steamy water in the sink as I wiped each dish, and the timelessness of putting the cast iron skillet on to heat. I realized as I pondered on the day and what it made it feel so right, that is was the act of being in each task when I was there that made it pleasing.
While I was making the bed, I was making the bed. While I was cooking lunch, I was cooking lunch. The act of intentionally taking part in each task made me take notice of the task itself. The senses became engaged.
I passed this on to my ten year old son in a humorous way. He is not so keen on household tasks, though he helps when asked. While I was keeping house this morning, he was indulging in a viewing of the original Karate Kid movie. I told him when it was over, that he would need to help me with the cleaning.
When the final credits rolled, I took him to the bathroom and pointed out that the shower was in need of a good scrubbing. I armed him with cleaner, a scrub brush, a rag, and a retired tooth brush for the cracks between the tiles. I explained that like Daniel in the Karate Kid, he was about to have a chance to build his muscles with repetitive motion and household chores. I am sure you will not be surprised when I say that he looked very skeptical. I showed him how "scrub on - scrub off" could work on the tiles. He looked even more skeptical, but he set to work with a good will. It is worth noting here that I thought this would be a short lived project, but figured any help with scrubbing a bathroom is a good thing.
Apparently intentional cleaning can work for kids too. He scrubbed for a long time and... was happy about it and proud of the finished product. My shower looks the best it has in ages.
