Lessons learnt from pigeon droppings

When do you have your switch off time?

Had a great day at the yoga retreat last weekend, although the 5.30am start was painful. The morning fatigue soon wore off though after a session of meditation, did make me wonder if feeling tired is often in the mind.

The topic of the day was ‘Finding your path in life’. I felt intrigued so went along to find out more.

After a healthy brunch mid morning, I noticed Karma Yoga on the agenda. Great, was looking forward to trying something new!

Little did I know it actual means ‘the act of doing’ which in yoga terms means the path of selfless action and selfless service or in this case helping with the chores. Damn, thought I’d got away with those for the day!

We were allocated tasks, mine was given to me last ‘Rebecca, could you clear up the pigeon droppings in the garden please’ as you could imagine my excitement soon wore off. I tried to see the positive in taking this task on but nothing much was coming to mind.

So reluctantly I prepared myself for the task ahead, being a rare sunny day I suddenly started seeing the benefit, at least my task would be outside for an hour in the sun! Things were looking up.

That hour just flew by, I actually found myself taking pride in sweeping the gorgeous garden and clearing up the unwanted deposits. Above all, it was a great way to ‘switch off’ for an hour. My head felt clearer and lots of new ideas were coming to me. Not sure how I got the inspiration but I did!

Suddenly made me feel guilty about the state of our garden back at home, here I was spending so much time perfecting someone else’s. Surely our garden was worthy of my time too….. I came away feeling inspired to get ours ready for summer.

So, how do you get your switch off time? What helps you to clear your mind? What chores help you to have some contemplation time?

I always wondered why my husband Col spends so much time washing the car (and I thought it was to get away from me!) I feel better now.

Perhaps look at how you can enjoy your household chores more, you might feel inspired now to give the place a spring clean. You never know it might help clear your mind too, it certainly did wonders for mine.

Thank you pigeons for helping me learn some valuable lessons.