How Washing the Dishes Can Bring Out the Best in You

I’ve never used a dishwasher.

At first, not by choice – we didn’t have one in the house I grew up in.

But everywhere I’ve lived since has had a dishwasher, and I’ve used it, but not in the conventional way; rather, I’ve found it to be a handy extra space to store my larger pots, pans, and muffin tins.

So yes, I choose to do the hard(er) work of washing my dishes by hand, once, sometimes twice a day.

In fact, I’ve also found it to be one of my favorite times of the day.

It’s made me more focused, mindful, and productive.

And whether it’s something like washing the dishes (for me) or something completely different (for you), here’s how a daily practice such as this can move you closer (and faster) to your goals, whatever they might be.

Sound crazy? It’s not… Actually, you’ve done it before (maybe without even realizing it) and it’s been helpful.

Here’s how it works.

Consider the last time you had a great idea, epiphany, or finally figured out the answer to something you’ve been wrestling with.

It probably didn’t happen when you were (physically or mentally) rushing from one place to the next; instead, it probably happened when you were driving home from work, taking a shower, or yep, maybe even washing the dishes.

Why is it that we think well, can see the bigger picture, and come to the best conclusions and solutions when we’re doing mundane tasks like these?

What happens is that when we’re constantly distracted or our brain is overloaded by multi-tasking, it’s impossible to tap into our wisdom and intuition.

It’s only when we slow our brain down by doing something that isn’t too hard physically (taking a walk, gardening, painting, etc.), that we have the ability to access this knowledge within ourselves that ultimately helps us make better decisions and moves us forward faster.

So it can be said that slowing down actually makes us go faster.

In case you’re wondering, it’s when we’re involved in a low-intensity physical activity where we’re doing something, but not too hard, that we get this benefit (once you move into moderate and high-intensity physical activities like a hard workout, you’re no longer in this “wisdom zone”).

A great example is one of my (very busy) clients who juggles three businesses, three girls (one in college, one in high school, and one in junior high), and a husband.

Yet, each morning before her demanding day begins, she takes an hour to go outside and water her plants.

Like me and my date with the dishes every morning, this is one of the best times of her day – a time to be by herself and with herself, in the quiet and peacefulness of her backyard.

She doesn’t hold the hose in one hand and her phone in the other so that she can check her email or Facebook; she simply uses watering the plants (a low-intensity physical task) as a sacred time to just “be.”

Personally, I find it interesting how I can wrestle with a question all day long, but not more than a few minutes in the shower or a walk before dinner can make things so clear.

Maybe this has happened to you too.

So, if you find yourself having a hard time making decisions when it comes to questions like whether or not you should go try that free beginner class at the new yoga studio that just opened down the street…

To what you’re going to make for dinner next week…

To BIG decisions like when you think it’s time to retire or make a career change, it’s unlikely you’ll come to find the answer when you’re running around all day.

Remember, self-discovery doesn’t happen when you’re looking “out,” but rather when you’re looking “in.”

My favorite Helen Keller quote says it best: “What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me.”

Realize that you hold all the answers, but if you’re not making the time to slow down and tap into that wisdom, you may be missing out on some important opportunities to learn, grow, and ultimately move forward toward that woman you want to be.

It’s scary to “look within” sometimes, I know, but this hard emotional work is what it takes to live a healthy and worthwhile life.

As you learned, I tap into my wisdom when I’m washing the dishes, taking a shower, or going for an evening stroll around my neighborhood.

My busy client taps into hers when she’s watering her plants every morning.

Whether it’s one of these ways or something else, consider a low-intensity physical activity that you can start doing or doing more consistently now that you’re reminded of its importance on your journey.

Remember, our life is shaped by the decisions we make.

So then, what could be more important than making the right decisions for ourselves?

Find your low-intensity daily practice.

Who knows? It might just change your life.

It’s your turn to take care of you,

 

 

 

Need Some Help?

Book a time to talk with me HERE.