The Air Force's basic training taught me to fold my jockey shorts in half from top to bottom; and then, the remainder in equal thirds.
That was in late 1978, and I still do it today; although a bit sloppier. I know longer make sure that the end product measures six inches by five.
I have continued to do this, partly to maintain the connection to that time in my life, to somewhat respect and honor the military bearing, and so I can sort of reassure myself that my mother is resting well in heaven knowing I've not become a complete and total slob (almost, though).
It ties to the way I fold my shirts; thirds lengthwise, then thirds the other way so that the collar is well displayed.
Go ahead and laugh. Lots of people do.
Although labeled bourgeois, I do it for the Zen way.
"Everything I Need To Know, I Learned In Kindergarten" included a wonderful portrayal of the Zen experience available in ironing. A totally one hundred percent awesome mind-trip that is best had without drugs or alcohol; if you can have the privacy.
Vivid memories jump to mind of setting up an ironing board in front of a window on a beautiful day and ironing for an hour or two.
Tickings of clocks, tires on streets, cats padding, birds flying, children laughing, squirrels chattering, steam rising, the smells of detergent, fabric softener, and hot clean cloth mixing with breezes from an open window.
An activity labeled "working meditation" by the Zen Masters.
The hands are busy with a semi-repetive task. A task that requires a little bit of fine focus, but not a lot. Working in that suspension between the mostly-focused and nearly-mindless mind set the individual becomes sensitive to many other things.
Folding and ironing clothes can be a portal to that coveted feeling of Enraptured Presence.
Laugh and ridicule if you must.
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Comments: 24
Bill, kidding - I do love this article. I too practice zen in all things. Salud.
I feel any kind of cleaning can have zen-like qualities to it, so long as you maintain slow, deliberate actions with whatever it is you might be doing.
It's a nice way to relieve stress and get a few unwanted chores done around the house.
This is good stuff, Bill.
Annie G. - Yup. I use the same mind for sweeping floors, running the vaccuum and doing dishes (like Jessie mentions). Having it while cleaning out the catbox is still a challenge, though; and it seems kind of dicey.
Jessie - Absolutely.
Tom - Thanks, man. Glad you liked it.
Candace - I'm glad the Joy was shared. Feel free to keep the bottle; I switched to Dawn.
Lee - Broken machines are a pain. There's no flow to set a groove into. But when they're flying, often did I.
Thanks for the comments, everybody.
I am married to a women just like you. I am a total slob, so I thank God daily for her that straightens out my slobbyness! I did laugh...I also like your style of writing it is very much like you ironing and folding laundry ...very neat and zen like.
We compliment each other well. Your Felix to my Oscar. great piece.
Donna - Too Funny !! Your not as bad as Oscar, and I am certainly no Felix (unless you mean The Cat).
Vicky - Thanks for comenting. I bet a lot of people Zen out when folding laundry without realizing that that is what it is.
Peace to All.
I explained to my grandchildren last week why I like a particular item that they apprently thought was ugly. My father enjoyed woodworking, also, Douglas, and I was impressed with his sanding. After I explained sanding and had the grandchildren feel the soft, rounded edges on this piece, they at least feined appreciation for my ugly thing.
Carolion - I'll bet you do. I envy you for living in Yellow Springs. We Love the arts over there. It was on our list when we sought to flee the Columbus burbs. Alas, no job openings for us; and it was just too far for commutning to anything that was available.
Sandy - Nice to see ya. A lot of today's children just don't get exposure to those kind of tactal skills and experiences. Of course I seem to recall making my mother regret that I'd gotten my hands on a piece of sand paper when I was a kid. My curiousity was fascinated by sanding spots of the finish off of all kinds of things. I was a handful. Glad ya liked my piece.
It reminded me of a retreat exercise that a local seminary had for their students. While on a weekend retreat the student was given a gnarly wooden cane, a small bottle of lemon oil and a soft cloth. They are supposed to carry the cane with them everywhere and polish it in every idol moment.
The three people I've met who had this experience took on a calm, centered, smiling demeanor when talking about it; and they all said it did a lot for them.
Christian's practicing a Zen invoking experience.
How cool is that.