When Domestic Mindfulness Saves the Day

In one of my many writing/editing gigs, I got to blog about inspirational things. It was a catch-all for joyous, peaceful, multi-faith stories and anecdotes. I enjoyed it. I think I was good at it. It’s where I got the rarely used, but still adequately put “Dr. Sparkle” nickname. I peddled happiness.

Then I went through a nasty break-up.

Still tasked with writing inspirational blogs, I recall patching this piece together. I said something about making a sandwich and washing dishes and how being mindful of everyday domestic activities can serve as a sadness deterrent. And that is sorta true.

See, the whole situation surrounding that blog is almost 8 years in the rearview mirror. Of course, my memory is tainted now, because I know that break-up led to meeting the man who later became my husband. The sadness of that sandwich making has dimmed.

What remains still is a lesson about the relationship between mindfulness and heartache. Even after all this time, my perspective remains the same. I don’t cry about stupid boys anymore, but life has found different ways to break my heart. That said, staying in the moment and being mindful still keeps me centered. It doesn’t take the sting out of rejection, but it doesn’t allow it to linger either.

I still make sandwiches although now it’s for my children, and Lord knows, I never stopped washing dishes. Sometimes I focus. Sometimes I turn up the music and sing. Because, so long as there are chores to be done, the sadness does not get to claim the day. And whatever went wrong can wait until tomorrow.

~jennifer.