Mindfulness helped me stay grounded during college, where everything went smoothly.

But as graduation approached, anxiety started to creep in.

I had always assumed I’d land a “decent career” after school. But now, the truth hit me — I had no idea where I was actually headed.

In a career training I attended, we identified our top interests and competencies. The seminar did not offer any follow-up to assist me in locating my ideal job.

In order to put these concepts into reality, I was unsure of how to ask for assistance. or even who to ask.

I stumbled.

I worked at a number of odd jobs for the next three years. I used some money I inherited from my father to pay the expenses, but this buffer was running low.

Furthermore, I was still unsure about how to find a respectable work.

I once heard that individuals were constantly searching for trustworthy housekeepers. I reasoned that even if I would not be able to accomplish much, I might at least tidy a house.

I therefore launched a housecleaning company.

There were many wonderful aspects of this position. It was a good deal. It was a good part-time job. I was in charge of myself. However, I detested my job.

I therefore made the haphazard decision to pursue a career in professional sales. I did not find it interesting, but whatever. I thought I would do well at it.

It was inspiring to look for a career that would make me the Sales Queen. It appeared like a good job would soon be available.

I was impatient, though. Cleaning houses was not just something I detested, but I also thought it was beneath me. I was cleaning houses as an honors graduate from a prestigious institution.

I was moaning about this to a friend who was older and wiser one evening.

“Jacki, you are in a great place,” she said. As long as you have to and are able to support yourself, you can do this. How about taking this as a chance to meditate?

Although I had no idea what meditation was, I thought it was an intriguing concept.

She clarified that I might concentrate on the sensation of the fabric against the wood while dusting. I could focus on applying pressure to the soap scum while cleaning the bathtub.

This was fascinating. I bought it.

When I washed the acoustic ceiling tiles the following day, I concentrated on the Lysol odor, the tiles’ rough surface, and the sensation of hot water on my gloved hands.

I could feel the graininess of Ajax on a smooth surface when I scrubbed the kitchen sink.

My life was altered by that day.

Cleaning mindfully started to help me develop. My anger subsided. I started to recognize the wonder of my situation and learn what it meant to let go.

A few weeks later, I had an interview for a professional sales position on a lovely spring day. The conversation went smoothly, and it appeared that I would most likely receive a job offer.

I knew I could not stand it as I made my way to my car.

I had no desire to work in sales.

Helping people develop and discover more significance in their struggles, obstacles, and uncertainties was what I truly wanted.

I had considered this for a while, but I felt that I had too many personal problems to be of assistance in this manner. But I was someone else now. Or, perhaps more accurately, more of who I really am.

When I enrolled in studies that fall to become a bilingual vocational teacher, the Zen Housecleaning era naturally came to an end.

It led to fulfilling work in the federal prison system, which in turn led to a career as a social worker and, currently, to assisting others in obtaining decent employment.

We all possess extraordinary inner insight. Even if it may appear that our lives are stagnating, a reliable process is in motion.

How do you interact with this process and allow it to direct you?

Pause now and notice how your breath enters and exits your body. Thinking about the past or the future is not nearly as real as the present, which is what this will help you stay grounded in.

You can hear your heart right now when you clear your mind of outside distractions. Is it urging you to let go of your fear, despair, or anger?

You start to discover what you truly want when you let go of attitudes and emotions that you do not need. It simply occurs. You do not need to put forth as much effort.

Your meditation can be anything you do. Simply focus on the current work with kindness. It will guide you in the direction your heart desires.