Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Sort it Out

Today is laundry day. OK. Everyday is laundry day around here, but today I made a special connection with it. I noticed how much heavier the dirty clothes are and how much lighter and fluffier everything is when it comes fresh and warm out of the dryer. I got to thinking how very much like spiritual growth and development laundry is. Go with me on this.

First: Sort your laundry. Sure, you could just throw it all in together, but then it would eventually all end up the same shade of dull and meh. I guess that's ok if you're a dull and meh person, but I truly doubt anybody is really dull and meh ... they just haven't realized their full on spark, yet. Anyway ... back to sorting the laundry.

Whites need to be washed in hot water with bleach to maintain their sparkly whiteness and brightness. They go in one pile. Dark colors, however, will fade if they are washed in hot water. They need cold water to maintain their full saturation of color. They go in a different pile. Then you've got your jeans and towels - they need a heavier wash cycle and longer to dry so they go in a pile (or two) over there. On the other end of the spectrum, you've got the handwash/delicates - sweaters, silks, undies. Those get a very special pile of their own.

Next up: actually putting them in the washing machine. You can sort your clothes til the cows come home, but unless they actually ever make it into the washing machine they're not gonna get clean. So, pick a pile, put it in the basket and carry it to the washing machine. Put in your favorite detergent (if you have sensitive skin or allergies, now is a very good time to take that into consideration), maybe some liquid softener (I like my clothes really soft), start filling with the proper temperature of water - hot for whites, warm for colors, cold for darks and handwash/delicates - and make sure you pick the right load size so there's enough water to clean without wasting any and choose your cycle. If you're not sure which cycle is best for which load, you can always check the guide under the lid or your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. If you notice a stain on something, put a little stain remover on it to help get it out in the wash. Put your clothes in the machine, turn it on and let it get to work cleaning out all the dirt and muck and sweat and grime from daily wear.

Once the machine is all done with the soaking and washing and spinning and rinsing and spinning again, your clothes are clean ... but not ready to wear, yet. Unless, of course, you enjoy wearing soggy, wet clothes. I can't imagine, but whatever.
The next step in the process is getting the clothes dry so you can wear them. Most of them can go right into the dryer. Pick a temperature setting, toss in a dryer sheet if you so desire, choose a timelength and turn it on. Make sure the lint filter is all cleaned out - not only don't you want that stuff back in your clothes, but the dryer runs much more efficiently when it's clean. The exception here is the handwash/delicate clothing items. You absolutely do not want them going anywhere near the dryer. These must be hung or laid flat to dry. Check the tag. Proper care is essential! Yes, this is a lesson learned the hard way. Too many sweaters have become doll clothes by spending time in the dryer. Too many underwires have been rendered ineffective. Too many ... well, you get the idea. Lesson learned.
The final step to the whole process: Fold, iron if needed, and put neatly away until you're ready to wear.

Why did this strike me as even remotely related to personal spiritual growth? Let me explain. Just like your clothing requires special care and maintainence, so does your Inner Self. You need to do a regular checking and sorting and cleaning and fluffing of your Self to remain in good Spiritual condition. Keep your heart clean, your habits stain-free, your emotions carefully tended and mended. Just like your laundry, it doesn't take care of itself. You need to keep on top of it and make sure you're always ready to wear and face the world.

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