The Zen of Dirty Hands
Interesting how some work can actually be therapeutic. How many times I’ve found myself relaxed and at peace while pulling weeds, painting a wall, cleaning a closet or many other random duties. While it seems like jobs most would ignore or put off as long as possible…for me it’s a zen-like meditation.
You’ve heard the term “work it out”? That is exactly how I feel when trimming branches or reorganizing my garden shed. Sure, you can go to the gym and get a good workout to produce endorphins. But when you get home that closet is still stuffed with junk. Gardening is a powerful way to produce those same endorphins. And when you put in that time, you have the end result of lovely flowers or tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s a double win! Recycling can be a win, you benefit from actively helping the planet by reducing waste. But in my case, I have to take to a recycling center, it’s a proactive workout, loading and unloading the boxes of bottles and plastic and paper. Painting a room is a great way to move your mind into a creative and physical activity. After moving furniture, your have the action of rolling or trim painting using your bodies full faculties. And the joy of a new color on your walls is an awesome feeling.
With all the distractions of the world, electronic and many others. It’s a humbling feeling to work without the beeps, noise or pressures and just get into your own zen world. So turn down the noise. Start small if you need to, refurbish a piece of furniture, or just dig around in your flower beds, spread some mulch. But do it. Find your Zen with dirty hands.
By TUG (a Together Unfolding Guest)