| Laundry Room Wisdom by Angie Bailey According to some "helpful hints" websites, it's called one of the greatest laundry disasters of all time. And with that claim, I must concur. Last week I experienced the calamitous effects of crayons that visited the washer -- and yes -- also made an appearance in the dryer. My well-intentioned commitment to remain spiritually centered in all situations flew out the laundry vent that day. My unconditional love was stuck in the lint trap as I pulled one waxy-blue-splotched shirt out of the dryer, only to be followed by yellow and green Crayola-tie-dyed socks and underwear. And let's not forget the lovely blue hue that blanketed the inside of the dryer drum. Waaaaaaaaa! What in the world would Buddha do? Sometimes I feel so frustrated and question my ability to remain focused on the divinity of each situation. I wonder if Eckhart Tolle has experienced laundry fiascos. I ponder Deepak Chopra's reaction to mud tracks on a clean kitchen floor. Would Wayne Dyer experience stress over another pair of lost mittens? So I sat on a stool with half my body positioned in the drum of the dryer, scrubbing methodically. This time-consuming task offered time to think about the situation and my reactions. I believe that Spirit is present in everything. I really do. I began to consider all the ways the melted crayons fit into the divine plan. Prior to the incident, I had been rushing -- getting the kids ready to go to their grandparents' for the weekend. In my haste, I did not check the pockets of the pants before I placed them in the washer. Perhaps this was a clear message to slow down. When I am focused on a goal, I sometimes move at warp speed and am not fully present with the moment at hand. I am again forced to slow my pace as I meticulously work to remove the wax from the inside of the dryer. OK -- I get it. The mess with which I was now met was a "knock-knock" from the other side to live each moment more purposefully. I then reviewed my reaction when I discovered the colorful situation within the dryer. I felt angry and immediately went to "blame." Why didn't the kids check their pockets? If you are familiar with Byron Katie's inquiry methods in her book, Loving What Is, you'll remember she has this fabulous little exercise called the "turnaround." So using that method, instead of saying "Why didn't the kids...." I take the responsibility and say, 'Why didn't I check the pockets?" Hmmm.... It takes on a completely different feeling now, doesn't it? For me, it works every time. My intention is to now remember it before my thoughts go to the blame/anger mode. It doesn't mean others can't take responsibility for their actions -- it just reminds me that anger and blame do nothing to positively contribute to the situation. Plus, it just "is what it is." Now that the crayons are melted, I cannot do a thing to reverse time and change what happened. What I can do is accept it and choose my thoughts and actions in the now. I believe it is learned in repetition and realization. I am grateful for the melted crayons, mud tracks and lost mittens. Each incident offers an opportunity to practice day-to-day spirituality. Divinity isn't just real when we're reading spiritual books, sitting in church or meditating. It's found around the dinner table, in the minivan and in the workplace. It's hiding with the lost keys, the late homework and the broken hearts. When we fully embrace the trials and ecstasies of every moment in every day, we learn and grow. It's challenging for me sometimes, and many times I don't feel the gratitude until long after the fact, but each time gets easier and easier. Lastly, are there any suggestions on getting melted crayons out of clothing? The tips on the internet aren't really helping. I'll continue to pray.... Angie Bailey writes and speaks on a variety of life-inspiring topics, as well as produces and hosts a cable access show in the Chisago Lakes area, called "The Bright Side." She is also the volunteer coordinator at Unity in Golden Valley. Angie can be reached through her website www.positivelyangie.com or (612) 581-7664. Copyright © 2004 Angie Bailey |
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March 2004 |
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