•  
A+ A A-

The Simple Pleasure of Clearing Piled Up Work & Chores

zen stones cw

Yesterday we arrived home here in Davis, CA from a monthlong trip to Tokyo and Guam … and today I’ve been on a lovely spree, clearing out inboxes and processing paper mail and taking care of finances and getting my work and life in order.

It turns out to be one of my favorite simple pleasures: coming back home and clearing things out and cleaning things up, and generally getting back into my healthy routines.

In just half a day, I have already:

  • Unpacked and put things away
  • Cleared through (and answered) most of my emails and messages on different platforms
  • Processed a pile of paper mail
  • Paid bills and generally took care of my finances
  • Sorted through my calendar and to-do list, going over appointments and getting tasks in order
  • Took care of a bunch of work admin tasks
  • Cleaned out most of the refrigerator and some of the rest of the kitchen
  • Shopped for groceries for healthy meals, and made myself a breakfast of oats, nuts and berries, and a lunch of a huge salad with greens, nuts, beans, and edamame
  • Got back into my morning meditation/yoga routine
  • Shaved my head and generally got my hygiene in pristine order

There’s more, too, but generally I’m getting things in order, clearing things out, getting things cleaned up, and getting back into my routine. I absolutely love it! It feels really great to get things cleared, cleaned and in order.

Now, it’s not always practical to keep things in perfect order, nor is it practical to wait until you return from a trip to get things back in order. So you might consider doing this on a weekly/monthly basis … for example:

  1. Weekly: Set aside a day of the week (say, Saturday) when you process & clear out mail/paperwork (I scan mine so it’s stored on the computer, then recycle the actual paper), go over your todo/projects list, check your finances, clear out your email and other inboxes, etc. Also plan your healthy meals and workouts for the week.
  2. Monthly: On the first of the month (say), do a monthly review, pay all your bills, clean out your fridge and kitchen, sweep the garage and back porch, and make sure all your systems are in order. Review your habits and see what you need to focus on for the next month.

That’s just an example, of course, but something you might consider and tailor to your needs.

But just going through the motions isn’t enough. You have to savor the pleasure of clearing things out! It’s a real joy to clear out your inboxes and paperwork, and feel the satisfaction of having a clear space. It’s a real treat to have a clean kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. It’s a beautiful thing to treat yourself to healthy meals, meditation and exercise, getting yourself into a wonderful space of health and mindfulness.

Savor these things by really enjoying the process, loving the way you’re cleaning your life up, one piece of mail and one kitchen counter at a time. Enjoy the space you’re creating, the release of things you’ve been putting off, the love that is behind every action.

Zen Habits is about finding simplicity and mindfulness in the daily chaos of our lives. It’s about clearing the clutter so we can focus on what’s important, create something amazing, find happiness. My name is Leo Babauta. I live in Davis, California with my wife and six kids, where I eat vegan food, write, run, and read. Source

Pin It

Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!

Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below! Scroll down to comment

Keep CrystalWind.ca free—your gift matters now!
Help us spread light today. Thank you, supporters!

Follow this blog

Featured Writers

Thank You for Visiting CrystalWind!

We’re honored to be part of your journey.

Share your thoughts at .

Let’s grow together!

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!

Support CrystalWind.ca Today!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

Call For Writers

Call For Writers!

Follow Us!

Featured This Month

Page:

Calcite

Calcite

The Cleansing Stone Calcite is a powerful amplifier and cleanser of energy.... Read more

Chalcedony

Chalcedony

The Stone Of Orators Chalcedony was very popular as a decorative stone in ant... Read more

Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology

Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology

Egyptian astrology was one of the earliest forms of astrology. The Egyptians w... Read more

Lammas

Lammas

Lammas Ritual Celebrated August 1st. Lammas is also known as Lughnasadh, La... Read more

Sun in Cancer

Sun in Cancer

Cancer Sun Sign Characteristics Overview The name "Cancer" comes from Latin, ... Read more

Cancer Mythology

Cancer Mythology

The Mythology of Cancer: A Celestial Tale of Loyalty and Sacrifice Among th... Read more

Moonstone

Moonstone

Moonstone is one of the best stones for bringing emotional calm and stability,... Read more

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discer... Read more

Abalone Shell

Abalone Shell

Echos Of The Ancestors Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and th... Read more

Strong Sun Moon

Strong Sun Moon

Flicker – Carnelian Agate – Wild Rose – Pink June 21 – July 22 Read more

The Oak Tree - June 10th - July 7th

The Oak Tree - June 10th - July 7th

Summer Solstice ( Alban Hefin ) Read more

Cancer

Cancer

CANCER Jun 21 - Jul 22 Read more

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

The god Lugh was worshiped in Ireland as a deity of the sun. This connection... Read more

Wild Rose

Wild Rose

Wild Rose Fills your life with soft romance. Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus... Read more

Birth Totem - Woodpecker

Birth Totem - Woodpecker

Birth Totem Woodpecker Birth dates: June 21 - July 21 Read more

X

Right Click

No right click