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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 Finding Peace And Joy In Surprising Places
As we bring our focus to creating more peace and joy in our lives, it's apparent to me that the real challenge is finding peace and joy where we wouldn't normally see it or look for it. Those are usually the situations, people, activities or tasks that we'd like to avoid or that aren't very exciting, right? Ah, but therein lies the ultimate challenge to step up and stretch ourselves. As I mentioned last week, it's so easy to find peace of mind when we're in a peaceful place. How can we find it when we're not?
I'd like to direct the focus to our everyday mundane, routine tasks or chores. In his book, Sweeping Changes, Gary Thorp, a Zen Master, gives us a new perspective on household tasks. He reminds us that our home is an extension of ourselves. Caring for our things is the same as caring for ourselves. If our homes are in chaos, we will be in chaos. If we want to be peaceful, finding peace in caring for our things is one key element.
Zen philosophy is based on the idea that we can find peace and joy everywhere and in everything. Thorpe says that approaching our tasks with a sense of wonder and curiosity can turn an ordinary experience into an extraordinary experience—a joyful experience. Instead of rushing through the mundane routine tasks to get them out of the way, try to slow down and bring purpose and meaning to each task. As you dust, dust with purpose.
He describes the wonder of cleaning a window and highlights the sensory aspect of the experience-- the squeaking sound that's made as we swish the cloth back and forth across the clean glass. On a sunny day we're able to see our reflection in the glass allowing for a deeper inner reflection; cleaning a simple window can help us reflect on the clarity in our lives. All this from removing dirt from a window!
It's a beautiful concept, caring for our things as though they are a reflection of us. How could we not feel peaceful as we do that? It's so easy to look at our household tasks as chores, something to get out of the way, something that's insignificant, an obligation. There's so much heavy energy around that. Challenge yourself to bring life to your things this week. Try to "lighten up" and do at least one routine task with purpose, love-- yes, maybe even exuberance!
Let me know what happens!
Happy Organizing!
Warmest Regards,
Maggie
posted on: 9/11/2008 12:00:00 PM by Maggie McCauley
category: The Mental Side
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The Nature of Being Organized
by Maggie McCauley
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About Maggie:
Maggie McCauley, ACC, LICSW, The Effortless Organizing Coach, is the president of "A New View". She takes a holistic approach to organizing coaching her clients to create new habits that promote overall well-being, a sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Maggie's Website:
www.anewviewforyou.com
Maggie's Products:
My Favorite Books
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- It's Hard To Make A Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul
- Organize With Confidence by Elizabeth Hagen
- The Secret Of Letting Go by Guy Finley
- Life Is Short--Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta La Roche
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Making A Change For Good by Cheri Huber
- "Happiness Now!" by Robert Holden, PhD.
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