Peace in a Clean Kitchen

The simplest things feel so satisfying.

After a long weekend, I try to get centered. That can happen in so many ways, but my favorite way is to tidy the kitchen. I have a routine. I have a pattern. I have a custom that is all my own.

And when it’s all done, I light a candle, to signal that I’m done.

I’m a crazy person.

Or, I’m completely sane.

Religious rituals have the same effect. We do the same things over and over again in the exact same way, and they change us. Somehow. Some way.

I do the dishes. I wipe the counters. I put away miscellaneous crap. (There’s A LOT of miscellaneous crap.) I wipe the microwave and the stove. I vacuum under the sink and table. I light a candle.

And when I light the candle, I know I’ve returned the energy in the room to something clean and light. I feel lighter. I feel better. And the smell from the candle reminds me for a few minutes (or hours) after I’m done that I accomplished these simple tasks.

And I feel peaceful. I can carry on with the rest of my day. And I feel great.

Find your ritual. It doesn’t matter what you do. It only matters that you do it. Try to remember to do it. Find your peace.

What brings you peace? Share the peace!