5 Household Chores to Practice Meditation

Meditation is a powerful practice that keeps me grounded, and it’s through stillness, I can connect with my thoughts, ask questions, and journey within my inner world. Now, when it comes to my meditation practices, it doesn’t always look the same, and to be honest, I’m not always sitting on the floor, legs crossed with candles and soft music. I also meditate while taking showers, walks, or while stretching. 

How many times have you completely zoned out while doing a task? Whether you did it intentionally or not, it’s possible to drift off to another place within your mind while your body moves (moving meditations). If you’re wondering how to meditate, check out my previous blog post, “How Do You Meditate?” But for right now, I want you to take a moment to think of meditation as a deep conversation with yourself. 

A good self-care habit is making space to tend to your mental and emotional health. What emotions are you feeling? What are your wants and desires? Are you happy with the direction your life is heading? What do you want more of? What are your intentions? There are so many questions you can ask yourself, and it’s important to get to know yourself in this way. If not having time is why you have not had a chance to explore your heart and mind, let’s look at five household chores used to practice mindfulness and meditation. 

Washing Dishes

Washing dishes can be very therapeutic, and even though we’re not always excited to wash dishes, it’s a chore that must get done. With this household task, you are working with the powerful element of water, which represents so many things. Water can purify and cleanse, and its nature reminds us to be fluid and formless. When washing dishes, allow the water to put you in a trance. Listen to the sound and connect with your emotions. Allow the moment to bring you clarity or help spark an idea. If you’re looking for the time to meditate, try it the next time you wash dishes. 

Laundry

To most people, laundry can be a daunting task, and when clothes continue to pile up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so think of folding clothes as your sacred moment to journey within. Whether the laundry gets done in a day or a few weeks, each time you engage, practice being present. Bring your awareness to your breath and practice deep and slow breathing exercises. Pray and express gratitude as you wash, fold, and put away clothes.

Vacuuming/Sweeping

The repetitive motion of vacuuming or sweeping can quiet the mind, especially if you feel overwhelmed or find yourself overthinking. When you allow yourself to focus on the task at hand with ease and patience, you can slow down the pace of your thoughts. Use slower movements to create a different flow and be mindful of your inner dialogue. Imagine that you are sweeping away stress, worry, or any emotion you are hoping to release for a sweeping meditation. Speak those words to yourself with each motion.

Decluttering

Life can be hectic at times, and it’s easy for things to accumulate in your home. The kitchen cabinets, the bathroom counter, the office desk, and the bedroom dresser or closet. So, when you are decluttering your space, use the moment to declutter some of the thoughts in your head by throwing away the ones that no longer belong and repeating the ones that match your higher self. You can also use the physical items you are throwing away or organizing to inspire memories. Be open to the thoughts that arise and sit with them as you create space in your home. 

Cleaning

Whether you’re cleaning the bathroom, living room, kitchen, or bedrooms, you can always use this time to check in with yourself. You can play the music that uplifts and makes you feel good. Allow certain words to be your mantra and think about what it means to you. Dance while you clean and invite the thoughts that help you feel good about who you are. Here is where you can really use movement to evoke emotions and thought while also releasing any tension. Think about the things that make you happy and fulfilled.

Okay, so I know I said five household tasks, but here’s one more for my plant lovers. 

Caring for Plants

Use the moment for deep reflection when you water your plants or wipe them down. Plants trigger so many analogies and metaphors about life that can help you reflect and recharge. Think about patience and growth and how you see them in your life. Seek out the lessons that your plants hold. Does it need more or less attention? Does it need to be moved to a new location? What is helping them thrive? Feel the soil and meditate on the seeds you’ve planted and the roots that keep you grounded. 

Inconclusion

Meditation comes in many forms and practices, and I believe you can make it work for you and your lifestyle. Whether sitting in a beautiful garden in complete silence, taking a walk around your neighborhood, or washing dishes, create sacred moments where you can tend to your mental and emotional health. Practice it daily and find ways to bring meditation into your routine, even if it's for 5 minutes. I hope this provides you with a new perspective and inspires you to explore your inner world. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or send me an email.