Every moment has its own importance and can foster increased awareness.

The act of washing dishes itself, for example, is not generally considered an important or reverent act. But it can bring a simple peace and joy.

Or not. I use washing dishes as an example because it is a mundane task I enjoy inspired by a beloved aunt. I would do it even if we actually got the dishwasher fixed. You may have your own example.

It can be a contained mindful experience all of its own. The sensation of the water. Its temperature and movement. The in-the-moment focus on nothing other than this fork and this cup and this plate. Running your hands over and around the dish. Perhaps enjoying the view out the window, the sunlight or the natural beauty of snow falling. And, we don't have to do anything but be aware of the experience.

But its also about more than that, right? The drudgery can have significance all of itself. There is relationship to love, community, connection, a nourishing of self and others.

There are memories in the fork, cup, and plate. The nourishing of loved ones. A parent who is nearing the end of life who ate a meal you prepared for them. What is left of your child's birthday party. It could bring up loneliness and an awareness of the need for greater or different connection in your life. 

The mundane moments of our lives are not always pleasant. They generally don't have a playful or a sensuous quality.

But, if we deepen our awareness, there is much more sacred in our present moments than we may imagine.

As my wise father would say, "It's not hard to do what you got to do. You just do it."

There are always going to be things we just gotta do. No interest in reflecting on their meaning. We just want them done (hopefully with some awareness) so we can go on to something else.

But I invite you to consider where the mundane activities in your life have a deeper meaning than you may think as you nurture deeper awareness.