How to Be Mindful While Cleaning the Bathroom

Hear that noise? It’s the sound of a million voices, laughing, tittering, figuratively pointing fingers at this attempt to pass as constructive meditation. I never thought I’d see the day, but this almost justifies bullying to some odd degree. That this piece united the derision of both skeptics and dedicated meditation practitioners is an amazing accomplishment.

Yesterday morning, my wife pointed out to me that - while she sits while using the toilet - I, on the other hand, often have a clear, bird's-eye view regarding the current state of our bowl - which, I admit, was in need of attention --

Sometime later in the day - I grabbed the cleaning brush, some Ajax, and a bottle of liquid pine - and went to work -

After the job was done, I felt a sense of accomplishment and was pleased with the results --

This morning, I waited for my wife to squeal with delight at the sight of our clean toilet bowl - but alas she didn't even notice (until, of course, I made a point of bringing it to her attention) --

Perhaps - by pointing it out to her - I ruined the "Zen" element of my cleaning journey -

But - in the end - we now have a clean toilet bowl - and everyone is happy...

I am always mindful when I clean the toilet or do laundry! I laugh as the Buddha laughed at the human folly of clinging to the idea of Self. Although it is a historical fact that the Buddha had disciples who cleaned his toilet for him I'm positive if he had had to, like, even once, he would have done it mindfully. He would have scrubbed feeling the sleeve of his meager coarse shirt move along his arm. Though, again, it should be noted he never actually ever had to touch a mop, and obviously with everything that was on his plate he didn't have time to do his own laundry, and so sent it out. Nevertheless, there is no doubt if he had ever once cleaned his own toilet or did his own laundry he would have been mindful of every moment and he would have never performed those rituals while thinking bitterly that if he had just taken that job in Chicago, as his parents had pressed him to do, and that he didn't precisely because his parents urged him to, he would have made enough to have hired a housekeeper to clean the toilet and do a load of laundry twice a week. Although the act of typing this comment has made me mindful I haven't cleaned my toilet in.. let's just say a while, I am serene because I know there is no Self and thus the sense of neglect coming from that room is mere illusion as the Buddha, who didn't lift a finger around the apartment, or in his case - the tree, has taught us. Namasta.

How about some suggestions on defusing one's anger at men and boys who can't seem to hit the toilet bowl and spray urine on the walls, floor and toilet base? Even if a man "cleans" the bathroom he usually misses the spray.

I enjoy cleaning. I find that is is good to be mindful, but also pay attention. One thing I would recommend, put on some perky music, something bouncy and happy. Then, you can be a cleaning machine.
Also, be mindful of your clutter, or items you do not use or need. Toss some over to others that might find it useful.
PS: I use a different toilet brush than what is shown here. I like the bendy loop shaped. They are super cheap and you can change it once a month.
In closing, still on the subject on toilet brushes. My cornish rex kitty, Miles, indeed HAS a toilet brush just like this one. He adores being brushed with it, and loves a thorough scrubbing of his muzzle and ears before bed time..... every single night. It is the ritual now

This is literally why the New York Times is dead to me. Subscription ends now. Mindfulness is a frikken Ponzi scheme the way u guys are peddling it.

yet another step by step guide to mindfulness, and another step closer to draining the word of any sense.

I clean our bathrooms using a Ladybug steam cleaner. I'm unsure if I'm employing mindfulness; I am alert and aware so as not to steam clean my fingers. Honestly, each week this is a process to maintain a clean bathroom. It's lovely when it's finished. Each will be waiting for me to repeat the ritual in seven or eight days. Maybe that's it...it's never finished, only repeated and repeated and repeated.

It is the little things in life the ones that matter. For some cleaning the bathroom can be a ridiculos and annoying to do. Finding presence in the moment is what it counts.

" you're not chasing a result" a clean bathroom". Actually that is the only reason to clean the bathroom . It's a good time to think of something else. I sure hope this piece was satirical!

Actually if you want a clean bathroom, it is advisable to pay attention to whether the result is getting the place clean. But no this guy doesn't want a clean bathroom. He is just waving his arms around in the bathroom. Glad he doesn't live in my house.

I love the very strong opposing comments about 'Mindful While Cleaning the Bathroom'. I got a kick out of it, and the timing was perfect because I intended to do some bathroom cleaning when finished with this comment. The piece was a big surprise to me. I haven't been reading the series and hoped to get a practical and or efficient tip. Although not the type of tip I was looking for, the recommendations it gave were amusing and diminished a wish to postpone the job. Now, do I need to start with a different tool, so I don't mind taking it in with my various senses -- no to starting with the toilet brush today.

While you're at it, take a spin around the room embracing your toilet brush like it was a long-lost lover. Shoot me. I mean it. Shoot me...

It's not satire, people. Learn a little about meditation practices and purposes before deriding what seems ludicrous or offensive. How about meditative eating practices for comparison? Or just say honestly that meditation is not for you, now. That's enough.

It is nonsense like this that trivializes what may be a useful exercise like meditation and turns off potential practitioners....unless, of course as has been suggested, this was meant to be satire. Why not submit it to the New Yorker for the "Shouts and Murmurs" section.

Thank you for this small piece.

I like washing the car as it allows a simple amount of mental activity. I find that meditative.

Reading this gives me a bit more of an idea about getting more out of it. Similarly with cleaning around the home which I also don't mind.

I often say to friends I enjoy cleaning because it's small effort for quick gain. It takes me 15 minutes to wash the car then I have a good result.

Boring maybe, but way more interesting than the current administration!!

This is ridiculous. Don't the editors of the Times read their own columnists? Gelles choices for mindfulness opportunities make fun of the practice, which is unfortunate. I believe the Times is practicing "mindlessness" in the choice of this reporter. Knock it off!

While my bathroom does not pose any health hazards, it seems to be my least favorite room to clean. I actually enjoyed this article.

Typically I feel "smarter" after reading a NYT article. Yep, not today.

I listen to books on CD or NPR when I clean house, pausing the CD for vacuum cleaner noise. To my mind, rote activities give .e a chance to let my mind go to a more engaging place!

I always enjoy the articles in the "Mindful" series, and I hope they will continue to be a regular feature of Well. I'm surprised that so many readers so often seem to react negatively to the suggestions in the columns. I would like to add a few words of thanks and appreciation.

I was glad to read this latest article in the series on how to be mindful while cleaning the bathroom. I can't afford a cleaning service, and I often approach cleaning the bathrooms and other areas of my house with some resentment. Sometimes I work myself up into a tizzy of self pity over why I have to waste valuable time cleaning when there are so many other things I would rather be doing. At 71, I feel I've spent enough time cleaning bathrooms! But a negative mindset makes cleaning tasks even more onerous. I've learned, though, that it helps to play podcasts while cleaning. For example, I'm learning Italian so I listen to my Italian language podcast and learn quite a bit in the time it takes me to clean the bathroom.

Calming the mind and "giving your full presence to the act of cleaning" as this article suggests seems like an effective way to combat negative feelings about any chore we dislike. One does not have to literally follow all the suggestions; just adapt them in whatever way feels comfortable.

Please keep the articles on mindfulness coming. Thank you.

This is ludicrous. You are indeed "chasing a result" when you clean: a clean bathroom is the result. The tools are just tools. There is nothing spiritual about it.

The most pathetic column in the Times. I look forward to a hearty laugh every Saturday. Thank you, David Gelles.

This sounds like something from Marie Kondo's book about tidying up...she talks to her socks....

For the past dozen or so years, I have set aside every Sunday night to clean our bathrooms. I don't quite practice the mindfulness described in this article, but I do find a sense of peace while engaging in this routine activity. And I always reward myself with a bubble bath when I'm finished.

This is dumb.

I clean the bathroom in order to have a clean bathroom, and I do it without enthusiams, grace, or apology.

This is a joke, right? The Zen of bathroom cleaning?
I clean the bathroom because It starts to smell if I don't. Reason enough.

Not just faintly reminiscent of Thích Nhất Hạnh--so why not do journalist's diligence, and trace it out to the source of this wisdom. When washing the dishes, wash the dishes. When journalisting, research the subject. When discussing spiritual pursuits as specific as this, don't use second hand gurus.

"There are two ways to wash the dishes. The first is to wash the dishes in order to have clean dishes and the second is to wash the dishes in order to wash the dishes." From The Miracle of Mindfulness, published in 1975!

Is this some kind of joke?

I actually enjoy cleaning. It's a useful, satisfying activity — and I like living in a fresh-smelling, orderly home.

But seriously:

"Once you’ve selected your cleaning tool, take a moment to notice it with your various senses. Feel the soft texture of the sponge or hardness of the mop grip."

"As you begin to clean, remind yourself that you’re cleaning to clean. You’re not chasing a result, a “clean bathroom.” Give your full presence to the act of cleaning."

"You can choose to match the cleaning motion of your hands with the rhythm of your breath. As you breathe in, wipe twice. As you breathe out, wipe three times."

Please tell me this piece is a satire.