Dish Therapy

Washing dishes. One of the most therapeutic rituals known to man. You start by stacking all of the dirty dishes in neat piles by the sink. This creates an illusion of order, deceptive though it may be, that is very pleasing to the brain. You start the water flowing from the faucet, methodically go through the piles of dishes and scrape off all the leftover food into the garbage disposal. Make sure to stack the dishes neatly on the other side. Your mind will already feel more relaxed, as the dishes now do not appear dirty until closely inspected. Now stop up the sink and fill it with hot water. Then squirt some soap in the water and gently swish it around with your hands until there are towers of bubbles rising from the sink. This creates a pleasing picture--the sparkling, delicate bubbles against the textured dishes is a beautiful contrast. Now take a dish from the pile, submerge it in the sink, and start scrubbing it thoroughly with a brush. This is an integral part of the exercise, as scrubbing a dish vehemently will remove any feelings of frustration and anger. If bubbles splash out of the sink and onto the floor, so much the better. Your heart will feel visibly lighter the farther down the pile you go. When you have finished scrubbing the dish, turn on the faucet and rinse the dish under it. Now place the clean dish on the opposite counter for drying. Make sure that there are always lots of bubbles in the sink, and that there is a faint smell of lemon in the air. When all of the dishes have been scrubbed, pull the stopper out of the sink and let the water drain.

 There is a pleasant gurgling sound as the water drains out of the sink that will tickle your funny bone and bring a smile to your lips. Now find a soft, clean towel to dry the dishes with. Softness is very important, as your hands will be rough and possibly chapped after all of the soapy water. Not to mention that the softer the towel is, the more your thoughts will stray towards teddy bears, yellow smiley faces, ice cream cones, and feather pillows. Start drying the dishes, making small circular motions with the towel. This will make a soothing sound that will lull your brain. When all of the dishes are dry, place them neatly away in the cabinets, and take a long look at the rows of sparkling ceramic-ware. Shut the cabinet door and take a deep breath. The ritual is finished. Don't you feel better??? :)