17 Comments

I would add to this that taking care of and thanking your things can be just as fun as taking care of and appreciating people. Things are people too! And I swear they return the favor.

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You know, I totally agree with your thinking. I'm always talking to things, plants, trees, dead people, nature in general. And yes, they do return the favor! 💟

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A beautiful heart opening and mind centering post!

My first teacher, Kalu Rinpoche,

would often say:

“Make everything you do,

Especially the simple chores of life,

Into mindful mediation practice

Bringing you to the heart of

Your own spiritual path.

When washing dishes,

Wash your mind.

When sweeping the floor,

Sweep away the dust and dirt

From your flow of thoughts.

When engaged with the

Work of your daily life,

Be like the one selling

Water by the river...

Before enlightenment--

Chop wood and carry water.

After enlightenment--

Chop wood and carry water!

Rest at ease, without hurry

Or worry, in all you do...

Simply being in this very present

Moment--clear, aware and loving.”

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I love these thoughts...

When washing dishes,

Wash your mind.

When sweeping the floor,

Sweep away the dust and dirt

From your flow of thoughts.

Thank you for sharing. 💟

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I love this. As we get older, my husband and I can't get as many of our once-daily chores done as we used to, but he says that he chooses the ones he'll do and they give shape to his day. I find I am willing to move more slowly and with more thought and enjoyment. Life itself is a "chore," filled with necessities and small nonessential and changeable pleasures.

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I love this so much

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Such wisdom in your words, thanks for sharing Sallie! 💟

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Wonderful words of wisdom. I believe as we age, these are the things that keep us going. I pick my granddaughter (age 13) up from school twice a week. I have two ways to look at this. 1. The price of gas and having to schedule my afternoon twice a week to accommodate her schedule. Or, 2. I get to spend time with my granddaughter who is getting busier as each year passes and I see less than I used to. I choose to cherish the second option and the little snippet of time I get to share with her 15 minutes twice a week. I try to look for the positive in the chores I do.

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I love this. We always have two ways to look at something. Choosing gratitude is a win win! 💟

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As I watch my father, I see how much the daily "chores" (cleaning, yard work, cooking for himself) really are a huge piece of why he stays mobile and healthy and engaged and interested in life. He loves being able to pick up his grandkids from school and take them to their various activities. It is so deeply meaningful and adds so much love to his world. I used to look at these as things I wouldn't want to "have" to do but I see it so much differently now.

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Yes, it's wonderful to have our eyes opened to what's really important in life. Thanks for sharing this story about your dad. 💟

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A beautiful piece by Haley Nahman. I too have come to enjoy the small (and not so small) projects. Thank you for sharing it.

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You are most welcome, Lloyd! 💟

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Growing up in the suburbs I thought chores were things that kids on a farm were required to do. Today they keep me centered. The time is constant however the day is not lost if they are done sooner or later. Interesting Monday morning thought! Thanks.

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Vicki, I agree, this post has made me think as well. And I'm really enjoying the responses I'm getting from readers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 💟

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I read that this week and loved it also, Sue!

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That doesn't surprise me! I am so blown away with the number of fantastic writers (you being one of them) on Substack! What a treasure this platform is, both for writers and readers. 💟

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