I've always said that I love simplicity and the simple ways of maintaining a home, as opposed to the modern technologies that we see all around. I would be wrong to say that these things don't make life easier, because they do, but at a cost of missing out on the pure joy of homemaking, and living simply.
They are easier, but noisier, if that makes sense.
The balance between modern and the old ways of keeping a home, is something I strive for daily.
Peace and quiet is a goal of mine, one that speaks louder as I get older. I used to love noise and people and busy places, but as the years tick on by, those things have been replaced by the need and want of a quiet solitude, simple moments doing mindless chores that bring a rhythm to life that is very much needed in the world we live in.
Vacuuming, dusting, doing laundry or washing dishes. Repetitive chores that we do daily, but I find them calming. They may seem like something small, but they're simple gestures that clear my mind and soul.
There is something so comforting about slowing down. I used to do what I needed to, in the quickest way possible, just to get it out of the way. And when I would watch certain videos of other homemakers, they sometimes seemed to be going at a snails pace, their movements slow, precise. It would confuse me and if I am to be completely honest with you, it would irritate me. I'm not proud of thinking that way and I'm just happy that I changed those thoughts, because over the years, as I continued to watch those same videos, they inspired me to slow down, to not rush all the time.
And so I did.
I found myself taking care of my home at a slower pace. Taking my time. At first it was hard not to just want to get it over with so I could move on with my day, but the more I kept at it, the more I understood that slowing down meant peace of mind, quiet, comfort.
I started asking myself why I hated the constant movement, busy, chaotic outside world, but yet brought that same energy into my house. If we don't like something we tend to change it right? But what I was doing, was imitating that same fast paced way of life, in my house, within the walls that are supposed to relax me and my family.
The more I practiced slow and quiet, the more it became a part of my entire being, and the more I wanted nothing to do with the outside world.
As I move through my days now, in this rhythmic pace, the most mundane of tasks seem therapeutic. The cup of coffee with the steam slowly rising from it, the couch that I sit on to read a little, the clothes that I fold, the floors that I clean, the dinner I make. All of these are therapeutic. I just wasn't seeing that before, because my mind was focused on rushing.
So, I've said this many times before, but I encourage you to slow down. Don't just look at your home and everything within it, as another chore. Start really looking at what you're doing, let go of the preconceived notions, turn on the radio softly in the background or even the tv to a sweet family show, and move through your house, quietly, focused, with joy in your heart.
You will soon start to enjoy those moments of quietude and looking forward to them daily.
0 comments