Meaning in the mundane

How does a retiree make his/her daily routine more invigorating? Apart from the hobbies or activities that we pursue which are in line with our interest or passion, a large part of daily life is occupied by mundane tasks. Unlike a working person where household chores can be a channel to take the mind off work, a retiree has no such need.

I have often wondered for instance how a home maker finds content doing household chores and cooking for the family her entire life. What kind of motivation sustains such repetitive chores. For my part I resort to listening to podcast to raise my pain threshold for household chores. Yet I see women everywhere doing the same household chores without grudges or for that matter embracing a routine life in their stride.

The book "Ikigai- The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" gives some glimpses into the secret of enjoying mundane tasks. It gives the example of a lift attendant at a department store doing the same job for years with enthusiasm. Upon careful observation one realizes the job involves several detail processes each with a purpose, bowing and greeting the customers warmly, gracefully pushing the lift buttons, announcing the floor level and bowing when they exit, quite similar to that of the Japanese tea serving ceremony. The authors describe it as turning routine tasks into 'moments of micro-flow'. It also helps being present on the job and constantly seeking ways to improve and then taking pleasure in a job well accomplished, much like a sushi chef in a restaurant consistently creating the perfect sushi.

Perhaps that is the reason I find gardening so therapeutic because my mind is totally engaged trying to create a more beautiful garden which seems a never ending task. Perhaps that is also the reason why my mother-in-law is one happy woman cooking for the family for decades. Not only does she tries new recipes but more importantly she adheres to the all encompassing purpose to make sure her family eats well. Yes, purpose can be found in small ways.

As Stacey Peterson, Resiliency Specialist at Mayo Clinic said:
When you can identify and incorporate a personal sense of meaning into your daily life, even in small ways, you're more likely to feel content, fulfilled and at peace.