Zen and the Laundry Pile

I aim for a deep and purposeful life, and for most of my life, I thought that my daily chores and responsibilities were the stuff that got in the way of my goals - or were the roadblocks on my path to happiness.

However, it won't sort itself out - the laundry pile, the dishes, and the dust ball. As the circle of nature, it'll keep coming back at you, and if you don't deal with it, your life gets messy.

I've learned to enjoy these daily chores. They are easy to perform, provide instant visible results, and for me, they also deliver a mental break from problem-solving mode and give my subconscious a window to bring forth fresh ideas.

Moreover, I tend to think that happiness is something that only comes with big achievements or at beautiful travel destinations. But the human brain doesn't work that way. After a short while, the pleasure of accomplishment soon vanishes, and new desires arise.

When I find joy in everyday chores, I feel more content and happy with my life.

We are connected to all things. So instead of seeing toothpaste in the sink and tea-stained tablecloth as just something here to ruin my day, I try to encounter these situations with engagement, mindfulness, and a means for gratitude and caring for my home, my things, and my life.