Mindful Sweeping

I recently happened upon a headline that read “Mindful Sweeping.” I didn’t read the article, but the idea flew around my head for a bit.

Last night, coming home from an all day event, it finally made sense.

This week had a number of long days. Driven by back to back trainings, client sessions, and meetings, the tiny tidbits of time left in between were filled with rushed attempts to meet deadlines.

I felt exhausted, but couldn’t seem to settle in. My mind whirled with all the things I should be doing – could be doing. None of it seemed possible, I was simply too tired and scattered.

Paul, my husband, poured me a glass of wine and told me it was time to call it a day – it was 7:00 pm. I sat down next to him, but I just couldn’t relax.

b r e a t h e

A bit better. Maybe, I needed to cross a few things off the list?

I opened my computer and stared. I swirled the cursor around the screen.

Nothing.

I shut the lid, put my glass on the table, and paced around the house.

Someone had made nachos and there were bits of chips all over the kitchen floor. And I mean all over – do teenagers not notice?!

I grabbed the broom.

I fell into a rhythm. Sweeping. Everything else melted away. Thoughts, physical exhaustion, emotional turmoil…gone. Before I knew it, I had swept the entire first floor.

As I put the broom away, I noticed that everything had settled. The task had been an intensely mindful experience, it drew me completely into the moment, leaving room for nothing but what was.

THIS WEEK’S TIP:

When you find yourself feeling scattered or unsettled, rather than trying to force either productivity or rest, try taking up a simple task (I highly recommend sweeping) and allow yourself to be drawn into the moment at hand.