It’s the modern-day equivalent to “Chop Wood, Carry Water”. A way to find Zen in the mindless, repetitive tasks we must do each day.

Over and over again with no end in sight.

(There’s never an empty sink or laundry basket in my house. Ever.)

But I take them to be signs of life—a family going through the motions of good living.

Dirty dishes mean home-cooked meals and conversations at the dinner table.

Smelly laundry means people played outside, moved their bodies, and had fun.

And if finding Zen in those chores isn’t your thing, you can look at them as a chance to do something else.

Like connect with your kids over the dishwasher.

Or listen to your favorite album.

Or stay abreast of new developments in your industry.

Or practice your Spanish.

Wash dishes. Fold laundry.

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