6 Steps to a Mindful Home
When I first moved to Sri Lanka, I happened to live with a Buddhist monk. This was most definitely an exciting period of my life where I learned a lot. One day we were expecting a visit from a fancy Minister, and the monk (who worked for the president) was cleaning the house in full action. When I tried to start a conversation with him, he answered slightly irritated. I tried once more, and his response was even more hostile. I was left standing, watching him sweep the floors, dusting the cabinets, folding clothes, and decluttering all surfaces, and suddenly it was like I was struck by lightning. I instantly understood why he responded as he did. I had an epiphany moment and realized that he was meditating while decluttering. His gaze was focused, his breath was calm and controlled, he worked fast, but every single movement was performed effortlessly, and he was present in the moment. He was practicing decluttering meditation.
After the minister left at night, I asked the monk – did you learn to clean in the Temple? – We started every day by sweeping, he replied. Growing up in Scandinavian culture, I can’t remember ever sweeping my room before kindergarten, so this was different, and I wanted to learn more. How old were you when you started participating in the sweeping? He replied that ever since he arrived at the Temple as a four-year-old, cleaning was a part of his daily rituals. He thought for a second and added – sure, you can call it a cleaning meditation. We learned that everything that happens in life is a meditation and should be performed with mindfulness. Sitting meditation is just practice on how to meditate through life.
6 steps to create a mindful home
#1. A Decision
Everything starts with a decision. Make a conscious decision to follow these simple steps, and you will experience your home and life in a new and improved way. Give yourself the gift of surrounding yourself with the things and people you love and support you. Decide to create a home that lifts you up and helps you utilize your highest potential.
#2. Everything has its Place.
It takes a few seconds to clean up the things that are lying around. Why not do it right away? How about deciding to do it right NOW? If your stuff doesn’t have a designated place, you have two options: create a spot, or get rid of it.
#3. Like Attracts Like
You might have heard of “The Law of Attraction”? Like attracts like, that is just the way it is. If you surround yourself with things you don’t love, you will keep attracting something you don’t like. If you live in a house that feels wonderful, and your surroundings lift you up, then you will attract happiness and joy. Take a look around your home. What do you love about your house? What is beautiful or functional? Take care of it, and for everything else… Simply let it go.
#4. Decluttering Meditation
You will be given what you seek. This is just as true for the energy you put into actions and objects. If you clean with an attitude like «ah, I can’t wait to finish this” or even worse, “oh my god, this is so boring,” then the clutter will come sneaking up on you, time and time again. Be present in your actions. Use it as a task on how to declutter your life. Fold your clothes nicely, pay attention to the different fabrics, and place them carefully back into your closet.
#5. Gratefulness
Be grateful for what you have. Regardless of how your life is, chances are people worldwide are praying to one day live a life like yours. You live in a country with freedom of speech. You have a roof over your head. A bed to sleep in. Food in your stomach. Internet access and a PC/Phone/iPad to read my blog right now. I spent this summer visiting friends, and most of them have beautiful places and prosperous lives. These are gifts that are easy to take for granted in today’s society. Thank your home for taking care of you and treat it with love and gratitude.
#6. Wabi Sabi
WABI SABIis a Japanese expression that means to see perfection in the imperfect. The philosophy dates back to the fifteen hundreds and builds on three truths:
- Nothing lasts forever.
- Nothing is truly finished.
- Nothing is perfect.
So, should I just let everything be and think, “Wabi-Sabi,” there is perfection in not being perfect? No, that is not the principle behind the philosophy. It means to be a part of the process, and it is ok to not be perfect right away but to allow yourself to enjoy the work towards your goal. The road is created as you walk on it.
Make it simple, do it constantly, and be brave and let go of what does not contribute positive energy to your life. The only way to create an extraordinary life is by letting go of the things you don’t need, the things that drag us down and steal our energy. Only then will you create space in your life for a new and incredible world filled with positivity.
Lots of love,
Nina
