Meditate at the Sink
We can all agree that a beautiful copper or fireclay sink is the best centerpiece in any kitchen. But does the action of actually working at the sink put a damper on the basin’s beauty?
Whether it’s simply the (seemingly excessive) amount of time it takes to wash the dishes or the fact that you’re taking care of the entire household’s dishes every breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this chore isn’t typically seen as an enjoyable task. But there’s one opportunity we can all take advantage of the opportunity of those small moments to ourselves:
“Every moment can be a meditation. You just have to be present in the moment.”
Let’s keep it real though. You might be saying “Yes, but what if I have three kids tugging at my pant leg simultaneously?” Or “What if I have a million other things that need my focus?” Or even “I don’t really want to be fully focused on the grime I’m cleaning.”
The idea of maintaining mindfulness with a regular meditation practice is definitely ideal. But a universal challenge to busy households is to actually find the time to practice. But what if we worked in that meditation practice into the at-the-sink task of washing dishes? Can this chore clear our minds as much as the dishes themselves?
No matter if you love the action of dishwashing or you find it to be a total bore, any time you hand wash a dish can be a perfect time to incorporate a bit of mindfulness practice. It might be easier than you think!
- Plug your drain and turn on your faucet to a comfortably warm temperature.
- Cup your hands beneath the water, taking note of the temperature and sensation of each drip.
- Then, add some soap to the water. Swirl your hands in the bubbly water, observing the sensation of every swirl.
- Dunk a dirty dish in the sink and grab a soapy sponge. Make rhythmic circles to scrub away the grime.
- Rather than curse your kids for not clearing their plates, use that time to send that person well wishes – from good health to a newfound sense of personal responsibility.
- Or, with every circular brush, imagine wiping away things that have accumulated in your own life, from pressures at work to stressors at home.
- Take your time in the final rinse.
- Let the clean stream of water symbolize washing away all the things you’d like to leave behind. This can be the exact opposite of what you filled up with at the beginning. As you rinse away the remaining grime, picture all the emotional junk you’ve been stuck with leaving you, too.
If you’re more of a dishwasher kind of household, you can still bring your meditation practice to the sink. Your bathroom sink, that is. For this practice, simply incorporate the following in your morning or evening routine of teeth brushing or face washing, or any time you wash your hands:
- Picture the plaque buildup, dirt, or oil as a representation of stressors, fears, or past hurts that have built up over the years.
- With every scrub, you break the tension down. You can even give your face or hands a little massage mid-wash. This will work the product into your skin better and target trigger points.
- The physical action of cleansing will reinforce a clearing of your mind.
When possible, create the ideal environment for any cleansing meditation. Shut the door, light a candle, and play music that is most soothing to you.
Give it a try and you’ll see how a clearer mind – and sink – will bring you peace.
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