Cleaning the “Zen Way” Completely Changed How I Feel About My Space

• Cleaning according to Japanese Zen Buddhist principles can transform the act from a chore into a mindful practice.
• I tried cleaning the “zen way,” focusing on appreciating my surroundings rather than the outcome.
  
• Learn more about how to transform your cleaning mindset with tips and tricks from experts.
  

As a home editor, I’ve put a variety of organization hacks and cleaning methods to the test, deciding which are helpful and which might cause more stress than it’s worth. From rage cleaning to gradual decluttering to electric cleaning tools, I can confidently say that when it comes to making cleaning less dreadful, I’ve tried it all.

Still, regardless of the number of high-tech tools or expert-approved methods out there, there’s one thing that remains true: If you view cleaning as a chore, you will probably always dislike it.

But there are certain cultures that view cleaning completely differently. Take “Städdag” for example, a Swedish cleaning method that suggests neighbors gather together to clean, treating it as a social activity to look forward to.

In Japanese culture, Zen Buddhist principles influence the cleaning process. It’s not just about the outcome, it’s about expressing appreciation for your surroundings and clearing your mind of any unwelcome thoughts.

Intrigued by the idea of mindful cleaning, I decided to dig a little deeper, interviewing our Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab experts along with a few pros familiar with the concept.

What Is Zen-Inspired Cleaning?

There’s a common Japanese adage: When you see a weed, pull it.

“This reflects the fact that cleaning can be very straightforward and not a chore. It’s just something you do without drama or a second thought, like brushing your teeth or going to the bathroom. No energy is wasted, which means it can, instead, be put to the things that actually matter, like loving our neighbors as we love ourselves,” says Cristina Moon, Zen priest and author of Three Years on the Great Mountain: A Memoir of Zen and Fearlessness.

Rather then planning a whole day of cleaning (and dreading it the moment it arrives), the idea is to treat the act as an everyday activity. There’s no need to schedule in hours and hours — if you see something is out of place or dirty, handle it right then and there. It’s all about being in the moment and embracing the act itself.

“When most people clean, their minds are focused on the end result. Their goal is to finish as quickly as possible and reach a state of cleanliness. However, in Zen Buddhism and as part of ancient Japanese life philosophy, cleaning is not just about the outcome. It is a mindful practice, a way to show respect and appreciation for our environment, to purify the mind and to clear away the ‘dust’ of unnecessary thoughts and desires that block the natural flow of life energy,” says Azumi Uchitani, founder of The Japanese Wisdom Academy and author of the upcoming book Yoshuku — The Japanese Art of Manifesting.

My Experience

Instead of turning on the TV or blasting my favorite playlist like I typically would before lugging out all my cleaning supplies, I decided to embrace the silence. To get started, I kept it simple, using a cloth and some cleaning spray in the kitchen and bathroom.

I take pride in my home — a cluttered cabinet or overflowing garbage can definitely affect my mood and even stress me out. Keeping in mind what I learned about Zen Buddhist principles, I tried to focus on my space and how it made me feel before, during and after cleaning. Rather than ignoring my own thoughts and distracting myself with a playlist or TV show, I actually began to acknowledge those feelings.

The actual act of cleaning became much more enjoyable when I wasn’t thinking about all the other things I could be doing instead. In that moment, I concentrated on spraying and wiping the surfaces in my home. And it didn’t feel that dreadful.

While there’s a lot more work to be done to truly master cleaning the “Zen way,” I did feel more connected with my space after my first session. The whole process felt more personal — I was cleaning not only so I could admire a squeaky clean bathroom or shiny stovetop, but for my own mental wellbeing.

Tips for Cleaning the “Zen Way”

The philosophy behind cleaning according to Zen Buddhist principles is simple: “Looking at cleaning as an act of care rather than a chore helps you see the beauty in your home and its furnishings. And when you take care of and take pride in your home and furnishings, things and surfaces last longer and look better,” says GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté.

Here are few tips to keep in mind if you’re new to Zen-inspired cleaning:

• Express gratitude: Appreciate your space as you clean it. That means turning off any background distractions.
• Harmonize your body and mind: “Treat cleaning as a combined practice of meditation and fitness. As a bonus, your space becomes clean,” says Uchitani.
• Stay present: You don’t need to plan a whole day of cleaning. If something is out of order, fix it.
• Choose your tools wisely: “Select cleaning tools you enjoy using and take care of them as well. Clean tools reflect the care you bring to your practice,” says Uchitani.

Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com