Articles 20VN | Do the Dishes - Connecting With the Simple ...

One of the chores I had to do, actually the only chore I had to do when I was a kid, was wash the dishes. For years I washed the dishes by hand as we didn't have a dishwasher. I can remember complaining about my difficult lot in life. It seemed like such a hard task. Now that I am an adult and have a dishwasher I don't have to worry about doing the dishes by hand. However, due to a dishwasher malfunction, I am realizing how much I have been missing.

My dishwasher began leaking so I had to stop using it for a couple of days. This sent me into a panic because I wasn't sure what I would do about the dirty dishes. I thought about using paper plates, but that didn't seem like an earth friendly option. I also considered eating out for all three meals, but that didn't seem like a waist friendly option. So, I decided to do the unthinkable and wash the dishes by hand. At first this sent me into a panic because it has been years since I have washed a dish. I wondered if I could get the dishes clean enough, or if it would take all. Once I began the project all my fears subsided and I got a nice surprise.

I found washing the dishes to be calming. It wasn't something I could rush through and there wasn't anything else I could do but wash the dishes. I had to slow down, focus and be present. As I was washing the dishes a flood of memories came rushing back to me of my Grandmother teaching me to wash dishes. She always told me that a blind person could get the dishes clean because they would feel the dish. She always made me run my hand over each dish I washed so I could feel if there was anything still stuck it. I also have memories of gatherings where, after the meal, all of the women gathered in the kitchen to do the dishes, talk and laugh. As I washed the dishes, I realized it was actually an enjoyable task, I felt like I was accomplishing something and I could wash the dishes in less time than it took the dishwasher to go through a cycle.

Not that I am going to start washing the dishes by hand every day, but I will start washing them on occasion. I found that doing this simple task actually was pleasurable and it helped me reconnect and relax. Simple tasks can do that. Not that you have to start reverting back to doing everything manually, just once in a while do a simple task the old fashion way. Sweep the floor instead of using the vacuum or write a letter instead of typing it out on the computer. When you do a task manually, it will help to slow you down and allow you time just to be.

Who knew that doing the dishes manually was such a simple pleasure? I believe the trick to this is to slow down and be present with what you are doing. So often we are multitasking and not paying attention. You don't focus because you can't focus. Practice doing one thing at a time and doing it to the best of your ability. This will force you to slow down and pay attention. You will be surprised at how refreshing this can be.

Source: http://www.20vn.com/self-improvement/do-the-dishes-connecting-with-the-simple-pleasures-of-life-96b.htm

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