When you think of connecting to God, you probably think of prayer, meditation, being in nature, or journaling. These are spiritual practices that I do and promote to foster a deeper relationship with God.

But what about something counterintuitive? What about connecting with God through mindless activities?

Activities You Put Your Whole Heart Into

Have you ever stopped to think of simple things you do – Preparing a meal, walking your dog, painting, gardening, cleaning your house or apartment, sitting in the presence of a loved one and not speaking, fishing – almost any kind of hobby?  

All of these activities lend themselves to putting your whole heart into it. We may even call these activities “mindless.” What these actions represent are contemplative practices.

Connect to God through Mindless House Cleaning

I put house cleaning on the list because it seems so odd, right?  I’ll be the first to tell you that cleaning the house is not on my, “Oh Boy! I get to do this list.” But, cleaning doesn’t require thought. It is in a moment like cleaning where you can focus thoughts on gratitude. 

When I’m on my hands and knees cleaning my bathroom floor, my thoughts are of gratitude that I have a floor and a bathroom that I can clean. I’m thanking God and caring for my wonderful home. 

Many times the most recent music we are singing in choir pops into my head and I hum, sing or just hear the music, being mindful of God’s presence through the words of the song. 

Instead of focusing on cleaning as a chore, think of it as giving your love and attention to what you have.

Cleaning doesn’t need to be mindless. It can be mindful.

Connect to God through Mindless Cooking

Cooking is a great mindless activity that can be turned into a mindful one.

You can say a prayer of thanks to God for the farmers who planted the vegetables, for the people who picked and processed them, for the trucks that delivered them, and for the people who put them on the shelves to be able to purchase them.

As you are chopping vegetables and preparing the meal, you can think loving thoughts for the people that you are preparing the meal for.

Connect to God through Mindless Hobbies

Painting, gardening, fishing are great examples of how to connect to God’s presence. These simple activities can make us feel childlike as we get lost in the sheer joy of performing them.

God as the ultimate Creator made us creators, too. Any time we create, our minds are free from other thoughts of life’s to-do list. We give our attention to the present moment.

If we are not careful, the demands of life will consume all our time and energy. Not practicing simple contemplative activities such as these steals our joy and causes us to feel disconnected from God.

Stop and consider what simple, “mindless” activities can translate to adding “mindful and meaningful” peace and joy to your life.

Do you have a mindless practice that connects you to God? I’d love for you to share in the comment section below.

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