Monika Blogwell

I once met a man who said he liked to meditate while doing the dishes. He said he actually looked forward to washing the dishes at night because it gave his mind a chance to rest. He would wash one dish at a time and reflect on each moment.

I wish I could say I am as zen as this man.

To say the least, I am not a fan of dishwashing. I see dirty dishes in a sink and think about gross spit molecules and the way ketchup doesn’t really lose its shape as it slides off a plate. In my book, there is nothing pensive about condiments. However, you’ve gotta hand it to a guy who can find relaxation even with pruny dishpan hands.

Today, I caught myself stopping to touch some new shoots on a plant I keep outside. The little tree had gotten pretty dried out, but thanks to the recent downpours, the leaves are now greener and new growths have appeared. It was a brief moment, one that normally wouldn’t mean much, but it was nice to pause my day to stop and touch the leaves. For a second, there was stillness. And then the day continued.

The next time I do the dishes, I will attempt to think about second chances. The little tree did not give up in the Texas sun. The once ketchup-laden dishes can become clean again and ready for re-use. And the girl who hated dishwashing can find serenity in soapsuds.