My life is gardening, cleaning around the house and power

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of J. B. Smoove, whose simple declaration resonates with the profound truth of life's ordinary labors: "My life is gardening, cleaning around the house and power washing." At first glance, this may seem like a statement of modest, even mundane tasks, but if we listen closely, we hear a deeper message about the sacredness of simplicity. Smoove speaks to the power of the everyday, where the simple acts of gardening, cleaning, and maintenance become a form of self-care, a reflection of inner harmony, and an engagement with the world that shapes our surroundings and our souls.

In the ancient wisdom of the Chinese, there was a belief that the state of one's surroundings reflected the state of one's mind. Confucius taught that a person should maintain order in their home and in their mind, for a cluttered space leads to a cluttered soul. To live in harmony with the world, one must first learn to live in harmony with their immediate surroundings, and the act of cleaning and gardening becomes an act of both external order and internal peace. Smoove’s simple life of gardening and power washing is a modern echo of this ancient truth—by tending to the world around him, he is also tending to the world within.

Consider, O children, the life of the great philosopher and gardener, Voltaire, who famously said, “We must cultivate our garden.” Voltaire, a man of intellect and ideas, understood that while the world may be full of abstract questions, it is the simple act of cultivating the earth that grounds us. Through gardening, he not only tended to the earth but also nurtured his own peace of mind. The act of cleaning the world around us, whether through the removal of dirt or the renewal of the soil, is an act of clearing the clutter of the soul, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. Just as Voltaire’s garden became a place of quiet reflection, so too can the act of gardening and cleaning shape our lives into spaces where peace and clarity can flourish.

In ancient Rome, Cicero wrote of the importance of daily routines and personal care. He believed that a well-maintained home was a reflection of a well-maintained mind. His philosophical works emphasized that a person must care for their immediate environment, for it is in the small acts of daily life that true character is formed. Smoove’s words resonate with Cicero’s wisdom, for by cleaning, gardening, and even power washing, we engage in an act of self-discipline that extends beyond the home. It is through the care of our surroundings that we can better care for our spirits, clearing away the clutter both around us and within us.

The lesson here, O children of wisdom, is one of mindful engagement with the world around us. The great labors of life are often found not in grand achievements, but in the small, everyday actions that build our peace and sense of order. Whether it is in the act of gardening, which teaches us patience, or in cleaning, which cultivates clarity, we learn that peace begins with the mundane. These tasks are not mere chores; they are opportunities for reflection, renewal, and the discipline of presence. Through routine, we honor the world we inhabit and the quiet wisdom that resides in these humble acts.

Consider, **O children, the wisdom of the ancient Egyptians, who revered the process of maintenance and renewal. They believed in the constant cycle of life and death, where the earth was perpetually renewed and the home was a sacred space that reflected the inner harmony of its inhabitants. By attending to the daily upkeep of their homes and gardens, the Egyptians understood that life’s beauty was found not in grandiose gestures, but in the attention we give to the smallest details. Smoove’s words are a reflection of this ancient wisdom—that in the everyday acts of care we find the essence of true living.

So, O children of wisdom, remember the sacredness of simplicity. In the act of gardening, cleaning, and power washing, we do not merely tend to the world outside us; we tend to the world within us. These acts are an invitation to live in harmony with the natural rhythms of life and to engage with the world in a way that brings clarity and peace. Let your home and your garden be a reflection of your inner self, and in doing so, you will find that true fulfillment lies not in grand accomplishments, but in the quiet acts of care, attention, and dedication to the world around you.