Suds and Serenity

Finding Zen in Everyday Chores

Zen Chores. Digital Collage Art by Stella Kalaw

I discovered that doing chores during times of limbo and uncertainty gave me a sense of calm and accomplishment.

While I was on the couch watching "The New Look" on Apple TV, my sister Malyn asked for help folding the laundry.

“Sure!” I replied then pressed the pause on the remote control.

I went to the laundry room, grabbed a handful of hanging clothes—T-shirts, blouses, shorts, pants, and underwear —then returned to the couch to continue watching the show. The ottoman served as my work surface. With no strict schedule, I took my time. I laid out each garment, smoothed out the creases, folded, tucked, and neatly stacked a pile for each family member.

“Ok pala, ito, ha! Feeling accomplished ako. ” I exclaimed to Malyn after finishing the task. (This is cool! I feel I’ve accomplished something.)

On the next round, I requested Ate Marica's help to operate the combo washing machine/dryer. It's one of those high-tech digital models that plays a soft melody when turned on or off, or when the washing or drying cycle completes. I remember GT has a similar model in his apartment, which always prompts a bark from his dog, Pina, when it goes off.

I did several loads of laundry over the course of five weeks. By the time I left for San Francisco, both baskets were down to a minimum— all dried clothes, towels, and beddings were stored away. However, I have a confession to make: folding fitted sheets was a pain! My haphazard attempt would drive someone with OCD crazy.

In the kitchen, I pitched in by regularly rinsing plates, cups, glasses, and utensils, then loading them into the dishwasher. To eliminate clutter, I also cleaned, dried, and stored pots, pans, and any large items that took up counter space.

Emptying trash cans was another task I focused on. There are four in the condo—two in the kitchen and one in each bathroom. I made a mental note to check them daily. Once full, I’d tie up the bags, consolidate them into one, and haul it to the trash receptacle located a few doors down from Malyn’s unit. Even replacing the cans with new liners felt satisfying!

(Isn’t that crazy? This behavior isn’t typical of me when I’m at home in San Francisco.)

Doing the chores served as both an anchor and a coping mechanism to deal with uncertainty. Perhaps it was my way of having control of something when outside forces were in limbo. Keeping Malyn’s condo clutter free also calmed my mind. This kind of self-care seemed quite odd but I know it worked for me. Dear readers, have you gone through something similar in your life?

I leave you now with these words by Thich Nhat Hanh:

The time you spend washing dishes and doing all your other everyday tasks is precious. It is a time for being alive. When you practice mindful living, peace will bloom during your daily activities.

—Thich Nhat Hanh

ps. I huge thank you to

Julie Hester

for the prompt that inspired me to write this post.

As always, let’s meet each other in the comments section below. Let me know if anything resonated with you.

See you all next Sunday!

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