The Lost Art of Sweeping

One day last year I tripped over my vacuum cord and fell flat, face-forward. Luckily, I raised my left arm to protect myself. I did hurt my arm though, but that's another story. The point here is why was I vacuuming in the first place?

While recuperating, I had time to think about that question. I remembered that when I was young, and just starting out, I didn't own a vacuum cleaner. So, did my apartment get dirty, and what did I do about that? Aha! I must have had a broom!

After a few days, when my arm was less painful, I took up sweeping. At first, it was just another chore that I reluctantly performed every few days. But, after a while, I found myself looking forward to it. I discovered that it was a quiet, contemplative few moments, sort of relaxing, and more like a meditative exercise than a chore. Soon, I was sweeping more often, and enjoying it. I've stopped using my vacuum cleaner.

I have found that my sweeping time is a no-thought time, in the very now that I often neglect. Sometimes, my mind wanders in whatever direction it chooses, back and forth between half-forgotten memories and future desires. Even intuitive solutions to problems have appeared from the well-spring of inspiration.

Since I began sweeping, I've thought a lot about low-tech and how I can incorporate more of it into a simpler lifestyle. Recently, I started doing dishes by hand, instead of using the dishwasher. This simple act brought back childhood memories of spending time with my mother and sister in the kitchen, complaining or gossiping, and flicking soapy water at each other in fits of laughter.

There is a certain comfort in warm, soapy water and in the routine of a mundane chore. It must be a part of the stability of home and something to count on. I've come to appreciate my quality of life (a roof and hot water) and wonder how I would survive without them. How hard it must be in some parts of the world not as fortunate.

I've been finding other ways to reduce noise and stress in my life, like walking more often instead of busing, and turning off the television (in fact, I just canceled my cable). The important thing is that anyone can do this, and it costs nothing; in fact, it may even save you money.

The benefits of a low-tech lifestyle can be astounding. Imagine hearing your own inner voice, and finding a part of you that has been lost in the midst of constant distractions. Many people say they don't have time for just meditation, so implementing a 'working holiday' from stress may be the perfect substitute.

So, my friends, select a good broom and sweep your way to a calmer mind and a more relaxed, peaceful lifestyle. Or, start with any suitable low-tech activity and see where it leads you.


Happy journeys
from Judy's Desk