3/22/2014
Now this can range from a rather small task like washing the dishes… to much larger ones like getting rid of all the clutter in your entire house.
But the initial problem with these tasks is that the very first emotion we attach to these thoughts at their inception…. This initial emotion then becomes its set pattern.
Instead of thinking “I don’t want to wash the dishes”, it is better to try and retrain your brain to view the task from a more neutral standpoint. Perhaps even humoring yourself into thinking it something you would like to do!
Because when you view the action from a neutral position, you lose the emotion that would otherwise increase your dissatisfaction of doing that task.
In other words, if you learn that it is unnecessary to feel that emotion towards what you are doing, you won’t feel bad doing it anymore.
Often times our annoyance of doing whatever we have to do right now stems from our the overwhelming thoughts in our minds of all the things we have to do next. This then puts us in a cycle of feeling like we are drowning all the time from the things we should be doing. This is very unhealthy for how we live our lives, and our health as well. So it is very essential we learn change our perspective on these “chores” (and other things of the like). Thus changing the entirety of how we feel about our lives in general… as a result of simple tweaking of perspective. This rewiring allows us not only to manage our lives better, but improve quality of life too.
There is something to be said about this that is very well known in the Buddhist tradition, about being conscious of every little task you do.
Often when I would share with my friends to be aware of what they are doing, they would laugh. Their response would be something along the lines of, “What do you think I am doing? Obviously I am aware of what I am doing, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it.”
But this is where we need to take a look deeper into what it really means to be “present” in whatever it is that we are “doing” (this goes for everything not just chores).
For example try washing the dishes, taking out the trash, vacuuming, making the bed, ect., without your mind already jumping to what needs to be done next. If you have tried this before, you will understand it is not as easy as you think it is. In fact, the very act of trying to stay present in what you are doing can downright seem impossible at time. BUT, the mere act of attempting this exercise creates space for the opportunity to expand your consciousness. This is because with this practice you may then realize how often your mind gets carried away with itself AND understand it more fully through this experience.
Awareness is always key for growth.
So by the very act of trying to remain present with each action before you, you are further developing your consciousness of living in the present moment (bonus points, this is a form of meditation). This practice allows you to learn to work through + release unnecessary negative emotions that are clogging up your daily routine. The more you practice being present with these “chores”, the more developed your consciousness will be towards living in the present.
It is also worth noting here that it is extremely helpful to be concentrating on your breath while doing these actions. Paying attention to your breath, the very feeling of you breathing and out.
If you do this, and you hear your own voice inside your head telling you “this is stupid, why are you doing this”. Know this is normal, and these are the conditioned emotions coming forth. Take a step back to observe them without getting connected to them. Be aware of the power these instant emotions have on you within that moment, and how they can (and are) affecting you in other areas of your life. It’s best to stay neutral from the emotions coming through because emotions compounding emotions is just ego feeding ego… it’s a never ending cycle. It’s not a place of growth but instead furthering the frustration.
Taking a more calm, detached approach will prove more valuable for allowing more awareness come through.
Just be the observer of your emotions.
Over time you will notice a rather dramatic shift in your entire perspective with this practice. Because it is through this practice that you will not only feel less rushed as a result, but you will enjoy more of the small things in life with a more calm mind. The benefits of this practice is tremendous and long lasting.
For once more space has been created for awareness to come through, it will never go back again to where it once was.
Now for a few more of the positive things to incorporate while focusing on being in the present.
Washing dishes?
Be conscious of the feeling running over your hands, actually take a moment to enjoy it. Observe the initial emotions without claiming them your own and the truth.
Taking out the trash?
Enjoy the walk outside. Really listen to the sounds that are around you, feel grateful for life. Take a moment to appreciate the view. Be conscious of the breeze as it moves, and be grateful for the air that gives your life.
Vacuuming/Sweeping the house?
Enjoy knowing that you are making the house a cleaner space. Smile while doing it, even if it feels funny at first. I highly recommend playing some music you haven’t heard in a long time while doing so.
Making the bed?
Feel grateful for having this bed to sleep in. Be appreciative. Enjoy making your bedroom a clean, organized place. Smile at your clean finished bed with appreciation for making time to do something nice for yourself.
One of my following articles in the future will be on how to approach clutter in your home. This is something I am very passionate about. The dramatic impact it makes on your life when you finally let stuff you don’t need, go. But I have so much to say about it, it needs an article of its own.
Thank you again for reading, I hope these approaches help change your perspective on everyday chores and improve your life.
With much love,