Sweeping Changes: Discovering the Joy of Zen in Everyday Tasks

by Gary Thorp

Your home is an extension of yourself; therefore, when your home is in turmoil, your life is in turmoil. However, when you attend to your home, you begin to feel less hurried and more in tune with the world around you. There is delight and calm to be found in the midst of washing dishes or changing the water in a vase of flowers; there is pleasure to be experienced in the repetitions of daily life.

In Sweeping Changes, Gary Thorp shows how the principles of Zen can bring harmony and peace to your life at home. You don’t need special surroundings or to sit quietly in a formal posture to achieve the tranquillity of Zen; you can find it anywhere–in the action of dusting a shelf, organizing your closet, or feeding your cat. As Thorp conveys in sparkling prose, many everyday activities provide an opportunity for Zen practice, satisfaction, and spiritual growth. Whether you live in a small room, an apartment, or a palace, this delightful, insightful book will not only change your feelings toward housekeeping, it will help you see your home, and your place in it, in a new and nurturing light.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Zen, Essays, Religion, Self Help

159 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Katie Kenig · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that a book has changed your life sounds utterly cliche, but I will at least say that this book changed the way that I look at most of my life.

There are many books on Buddhism out there, but this one looks at the way practicing mindfulness changes ordinary tasks, and how to find the meaning for your life in your day to day existance. I plan to re-read this soon, as I think about it often.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this on Heather's books. I thought it looked good. I don't really expect people to see it the same way I do, I'm sure it comes off as a bit hoaky to a lot of you. But for some reason it resonates with me and I am enjoying it so far. Sweeping up today was a whole new thing! :-) Thanks Benny!

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt more like a series of loosely connected reflections than a coherent book. If I had a background in Buddhism it might have been more engaging. I do have an interest in meditation and I do lots of housework, so the idea of combining the two intrigued me. I'm sorry to say that I found the Forward to the book (written by someone other than the author) to be the best part. One tends to think of Eastern religions as transcending above the material world, so it was interesting to hear about the way that menial tasks are treated in a Buddhist retreat-- that you don't clean just to make things not dirty, but to show respect and care for the object (which is presumably playing a worthwhile role in your life otherwise why do you have it, but that's another story...) That did make me think about my kitchen sink a little differently, and I guess that was the point.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This book examines a variety of everyday activities that many people have always disliked: housecleaning chores, meal preparation, and the like. You will be encouraged to relate to your home -its atmosphere, furnishings, and inhabitants- in a different way.

"Zen speaks of giving oneself totally to an action, or of 'letting go' of preconceptions. This letting go is what allows the unusual to happen. It might be a perception that transcends anything you have experienced before. Or a brief moment of heightened sensation, when the simple act of opening a cupboard is magnified and given new perspective.

"... understanding has its roots in the events of daily life, action is one of the keys to serenity, and wisdom resides within the ordinary.

"Perhaps you are not interested in immersing yourself in Zen study, but are just looking for a few simple ways to cope with problems or complications in your life ... you may be trying to find a bit more meaning or freedom within the confines of raising a family, building a career, or attending school.

"The purpose of practicing Zen is not to experience, in the future, some wonderfully extraordinary event, but to realize that each moment of life is unique and extraordinary, and that each one of us is both quite ordinary and most miraculous. You learn that taking care of all the little details of your life really matters... When you give your attention and care to another being or object, your life slowly takes on another shape and begins to have more meaning than before. Your conception of time changes, and your actions become less hurried. And as you become less hurried, you begin to understand yourself a bit better.

"Sweeping Changes encourages us not to overlook the obvious and close-at-hand possibilities for joy, satisfaction, and fullfillment. We all have the potential to come alive through the ordinary, rather than waiting for something extraordinary to awaken our energy and passion. Inspiration is everywhere, right at hand, whenever we choose.

"There is much beauty in all that surrounds us, but in order to discover it, we must begin with our feet on the ground, observing in great detail everything that appears before us. 'When you find your place in things, your true practice can begin.' For many of us, and for much of the time, this place is inside our own home."

[jenkamichiko Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Konsten att se med nya ögon” av Gary Thorp fick mig att rensa och städa hemma samma dag. En Zenbuddhist syn på föremål, ägodelar, hushållsuppgifter och gemenskap. 😊 Olika citat: ”Var sak har sin plats.” ”Ju fler saker du har, desto mindre tid har du till var och en av dem.” ”Allting mognar enligt sin egen plan.” ”Varje dag besegrar du något slags berg.” Den här läsupplevelsen har bidragit till mer kunskap om Zenbuddhism och minimalism. Läsvärd.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If there are people out there who got something out of this, then good for them. For me it was interesting for like the first maybe 30~40 pages and then I started to notice that the author was basically repeating the same stuff over and over and over again. And it was just. So. Boooooring. I actually skimmed a lot of the second half because I was nearly bored to tears. It’s a super short book but it took me forever to get through it. Would not recommend. This book could have just been a bullet-point buzzfeed article in my opinion, for all the info it contained.

[Kimberly K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone could use a little Zen in their lives. Sweet book... short but sweet.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this one--I've always found a lot of peace in regular work, and am super interested in philosophies/theologies of labor. At the end of the day, though, it just felt super disconnected from real life, full of examples from monastic households or households where others did a great deal of the domestic work.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have learned that the respect for objects and the ordered simplicity of Zen, while inspiring, feels more stressful and forced than freeing, for me personally. It can feel a bit dated sometimes, too, written over twenty years ago now. Still, some lovely insights, haiku, and thoughts about habits and practice.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy, fast inspiring read. It'll be periodically re-read to reinvigorate my interest and willingness to do the "drudgery" in the house.

[Helen M Bessette · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this book. A Question of Time was particularly moving. Part Three: the bedroom, bath and washroom taught me a lot.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom in such a tiny book. I recommend reading it in small doses and, like much zen wisdom, pondering and puzzling over them for a few days before dipping in again. Highly recommended. I'm keeping this in my library to read again.

[Kate]

"Your home is an extension of yourself, therefore, when your home is in turmoil, your life is in turmoil. However, when you attend to your home, you begin to feel less hurried and more in tune with the world around you. There are delight and calm to be found in the midst of washing dishes or changing the water in a vase of flowers: there is pleasure to be experienced in the repetitions of daily life.

"In Sweeping Changes, Gary Thorp shows how the principles of Zen can bring harmony and peace to your life at home. You don't need special surroundings or to sit quietly in a formal posture to achieve the tranquility of Zen: you can find it anywhere -- in the action of dusting a shelf, organizing your closet, or feeding your cat. As Thorp conveys in sparkling prose, many everyday activities provide an opportunity for Zen practice, satisfaction, and spiritual growth. Whether you live in a small room, an apartment, or a palace, this delightful, insightful book will not only change your feelings toward housekeeping, it will help you see your home, and your place in it, in a new and nurturing light."
~~back cover

I'm still thinking about this book -- not sure whether I liked it or not. I am very drawn to Zen, and other books I've read have given me a sense of tranquility and peace as I read them. This book did not, and I'm not sure why it didn't. It was well written, and certainly addressed itself to the main turmoil in my own life: a house that is cluttered, and just short of chaos. I had hoped that this book would be a companion to my efforts to attend to my home, to declutter it and make it a place of comfort, beauty and serenity. Although the various areas and chores of a house are considered in this book, I didn't come away with any sense of the goal ahead, the process of reaching that goal, nor the journey that will be the process. Perhaps that's because I have only taken a few steps along the path -- perhaps I wasn't ready to understand the message.

I think I'll keep the book, and reread it at a later date, when I am farther along the path.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that helps put the day to day basics of cleaning and maintenance in perspective. I great read to break up with one chapter a night to let his thoughts sink in and potentially discover your own meanings around these day to day activities.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still reading this book. Savoring it.
little considerations on topics like dust, doorways, windows. How can we approach our homework thoughtfully and mindfully as a practice in consciously tending to our needs.
I have come to have more reverence for the simple acts of sweeping or doing dishes. Starting with doors and moving into chores and clutter, the author explores the significance of the everyday in a mind expanding way. As someone who struggles with housekeeping, this has been a little jewel of a find.

[Bert Edens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way Thorp took what most people (including myself) consider mundane, daily, household tasks and tied them back to basic Buddhist precepts. Finding joy in scrubbing the oven is hard to do, but Thorp gives some good advice. He even gives some advice for those household pests that you can't let overrun your home, but ones you don't want to kill in a wanton manner (Send them on to their next life, wishing them "Better luck next time.").

Overall, a very good, quick read. Definitely recommended.

[Denise Tarasuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweeping Changes was a perfect read and a very thought provoking book. I am sure it was written just for me. Many years ago I read this little “Joy to Zen” and have always thought about its messages every time I swept the floor. Sweeping Changes was calling me, yet one more time. I read with joy! The thoughts and journey of Gary Thorp are life changing. They bring peace and harmony. I am giving my used copy to my husband for Father’s Day as it is a must! Perfect!

[J Crossley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this book, and I wish that it was available on Kindle. The author talks of different tasks of taking care of a home, and how you can bring Zen into that task to make it a more spiritual experience. Spiritual housework?!? Yes, it is possible, with the right attitude. By focusing on what I am doing and how the task blesses my family, my home, and myself, I am able to obtain peace from the task rather than drudgery.

[Rena Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the straight forward no nonsense approach to Zen in this book! I will never wash a dish, sweep a floor or do laundry as I once did--I now have tools in my tool chest to embrace the everyday ordinariness that is not ordinary.

[Blaine Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good (not great) book about approaching everyday tasks and household items with awareness and grace. Incorporates Zen beliefs and writings into things like cooking, sweeping and cleaning, and washing.

[Roberta McDonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very real way of taking mindfulness into a level of every day existence. I forget about this for long periods then re- find it and get back to a nice relaxed relationship with my home and chores. Planning to hoke it out and read again in the morning!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small, profound and powerful, it speaks to the practice of Zen in our lives. I agree with the preface; after reading this book you turn outwards and care for what is around you with a renewed vigor. A great wake up call.

[Kelly]

As a stay-at-home mom doing daily battle with chaos, reading this book has given me so many thoughtful ideas on changing my attitude toward my daily routines.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

lovely little book of lessons
breathe
and sweep
doors are important

[Livinlite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful vignettes. Perfect for a quick morning read to set the tone for the day. Should be given out like "the joy of cooking" to everyone as they make their first home.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has to do mundane tasks. This is a joyful perspective on housekeeping with dignity and fun and respect for everyday objects in our lives.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! I now am in the moment when cleaning, cooking, etc., and moving my body in different ways while meditating! It is so wonderful!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent "paradigm-shift" book. Read this book SLOWLY. Take it in. Think about it. No hurry. I love this book.

[Ronald Hoepfl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple. Comfortable. Inspiring.

[Maryanne]

Sweeping Changes 08102009 : Discovering the Joy of Zen in Everyday Tasks by Gary Thorp with a foreword by Edward Espe Brown