The Virtue of Tidiness: Exploring the Essence of Cleanliness in Home Environments
It's not about the size of your house or how much money you have. Walk into any home, and if you see clear windows, dust-free floors, and everything neatly arranged, you know you're in a good place. A clean home reflects not just tidiness but also the quality of the relationships within.
Lately, cleanliness has become a hot topic of discussion. Especially during the Lunar New Year, having a clean home, along with neat attire, has become the standard by which many judge their family and friends when they visit.
I used to think cleanliness was just a matter of personal preference, a reflection of different lifestyles. Now I realize it's more than that—it's a pursuit of inner peace. As Chekhov once said, "Everything about a person should be clean—whether it's their face, their living space, or their mind." Those who love keeping their homes spotless often live by this philosophy.
(1) Embracing Life
I once saw a girl share pictures of her home online with a caption that read: "A tidy home equals a peaceful mind." It reminded me of a letter Three Mo wrote to a troubled young woman. At 29, feeling lost both in her career and life, she reached out for advice on how to find direction. Three Mo's first suggestion was to tidy up her room.
She told the young woman that these simple tasks didn't require much time or money but could bring a sense of order and calm. She also suggested adding a few beautiful potted plants by the window. Creating such a comfortable and tidy environment allowed her to unwind completely after a long day, much like how she found solace during her days with Jose in the Sahara Desert, relying on her inner sense of order to endure the solitude.
It's safe to say that those who enjoy keeping their homes clean are, at their core, lovers of life. They understand that life has its ups and downs, its light and shadow. It's about embracing both sides and making them equally vibrant and beautiful, thus making the most of our time on this earth.
Cleanliness in the home isn't about one person's effort; it's a shared commitment within the family. It's about creating a warm and welcoming environment that uplifts everyone's spirits.
(2) Sincerity and Discipline
You've probably heard the saying, "A messy home breeds undisciplined children." It's not just a saying; it's backed by research. A study conducted by Harvard Business School found a correlation between tidy desks and high-performing, optimistic children.
Why? Because in the process of tidying, they learn to plan and exercise patience. And this begins at home. A survey by the Chinese Academy of Educational Sciences found that children from clean households were 27 times more likely to excel academically than those from messy ones. This correlation suggests that a child's upbringing and the cleanliness of their home environment are closely intertwined.
My friend Rena once told me about her own experience. Her child spent his early years at his grandparents' house, where things were always in disarray due to the caretaking of multiple grandchildren. When she brought him home to start school, she noticed his lack of discipline in tidying up after himself, leading to difficulty focusing on his studies. Over the next few years, she worked hard to instill in him the habit of keeping things tidy, and gradually, with her guidance, he became more patient and disciplined.
(3) Inner Stability
There's a saying that goes, "The higher one's status, the cleaner their surroundings." This rings true because life is filled with turmoil, and maintaining inner peace amidst chaos is essential for welcoming new opportunities.
A friend once shared her story of struggling with restlessness and stagnation in her career. Feeling overwhelmed, she found it hard to accept her current circumstances or envision a path forward. Her husband comforted her, saying that amidst life's ups and downs, maintaining inner peace is crucial.
It's about creating a stable inner core, much like tidying up a home. Gradually, she shed her anxieties and started tidying up her space and her life. With her husband's support, she let go of her worries and began cultivating patience and discipline. Over time, she transformed into a person with a stable inner core.
In conclusion, cleanliness isn't just a habit; it's a way of life—a testament to sincerity, discipline, and inner stability. It's about creating an environment that nurtures growth and harmony within the family. By cultivating cleanliness in our homes, we cultivate virtues that last a lifetime.