Spoiler alert: YES, you can—get ready to purify your space, clear your mind, and transform your energy

Let’s be real for a second: cleaning is often the last thing on our minds. It’s a task we rush through (or avoid completely), and most of us don’t see it as anything more than a chore. But here’s the truth: cleaning isn’t just about making your space look good—it’s about purifying your mind, your soul, and your entire energy field. This isn’t some fluff; it’s rooted in an ancient tradition, and when you understand it, cleaning could change everything about how you show up in the world.

Kiyomeru: purification isn’t just for monks

In Japan, Kiyomeru (清) is a big deal. It’s a word for purification that goes far beyond your typical scrub-down of the bathroom tiles. In fact, the entire culture treats purification—both physical and spiritual—as a central practice in daily life. From Zen temples to tea ceremonies, Kiyomeru is a mindset and a way of being, not just a task.

You’ve probably seen it before—the Zen monks who seem to glide across temple floors, broom in hand, as though they’re performing a sacred dance. But that’s exactly what it is. Daily cleaning or soji isn’t just about tidying up the place; it’s about clearing your mind and aligning your energy with something bigger. When you purify your environment, you’re purifying yourself.

Now, don’t get it twisted. This isn’t some fluffy, spiritual nonsense—it’s a well-established practice in Japanese culture. So much so that in 2018, Japanese Shin-Buddhist monk Shoukei Matsumoto wrote a book, A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind(translated in English), presenting the spiritual practices involved in cleaning the temple, and the benefits thereof. When you clean, you’re creating space, both literally and figuratively. You’re removing the junk that builds up in your surroundings and the junk that clutters your mind.

In today’s chaotic world, where distractions are endless and stress is at an all-time high, the act of purification—especially through cleaning—offers a simple yet powerful way to reclaim control. With constant noise, information overload, stressful world events, and a fast-paced lifestyle, taking time to clear your space and mind isn’t just therapeutic, it’s essential for mental clarity and emotional balance. Cleaning isn’t just about tidying up; it’s an act of self-care and mindfulness that helps us center ourselves amidst the madness, allowing us to reconnect with peace, productivity, and purpose. In a world that feels out of control, purification is the grounding force we all need.

Cleaning is a form of meditation (no, seriously)

We all know the basics of meditation—sit still, breathe, clear your mind. But what if you could get the same benefits from cleaning? Sounds crazy, right? But in Japan, cleaning is often a form of meditation. In Zen Buddhism, monks perform the daily ritual of cleaning as a way to center themselves. It’s not a chore; it’s a practice in presence.

Think about it: when you clean mindfully, you stop thinking about your to-do list, the work email you haven’t replied to, the bad news you just read, or that annoying person who won’t stop texting. You’re forced to focus on the task at hand, which grounds you in the present moment. Whether you’re scrubbing a countertop or folding towels, that single-minded focus is basically like a meditation session—but without the incense and cushion.

Where purification starts before the first sip

If you’ve ever seen a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, you know it’s a whole ritual. But did you know that cleaning is central to the process? Before any tea is even brewed, the utensils are thoroughly cleaned, polished, and prepared. And the purification doesn’t stop there—the entire tea ceremony ends with another round of cleaning.

This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about energy. Each act of cleaning is about aligning your surroundings with the energy of wa, kei, sei, jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility)—the four core principles of the Japanese tea ceremony. You can think of it like setting the stage for peace. When the space is clean and pure, the tea tastes better. When your environment is aligned, your energy aligns with it.

It’s simple: a clean space creates a clear mind. And a clear mind is the foundation for doing anything well.

Your environment = your energy

Now, let’s get a little real here. If you’ve ever felt like a mess—mentally or physically—it might be because your space is a mess. Cluttered desks, dirty laundry piles, and messy kitchens do more than just add to your stress—they literally suck your energy. And if you want to show up as your best self in business (or in life), it starts by literally cleaning up your act and dealing with your energy vampires.

Take a cue from Japan. In schools, students aren’t just taught to study—they’re also taught to clean. Kids in Japan spend around 15 minutes, daily, sweeping the halls, wiping down tables, and cleaning bathrooms. But it’s more than just building good habits—it’s teaching them to respect their environment and themselves.

Now, don’t think you have to pull out a broom every time you feel stressed. But here’s the deal: when you clean, you change your energy. You start to feel lighter, more organized, and more in control. And that shift is contagious. Clean space = clean mind = powerful presence.

Cleaning during the pandemic (and what it taught us)

Let’s rewind a bit to the chaos of 2020. The lockdowns forced most of us to slow down and focus on home life. With more time at home and less to distract us, many people rediscovered the joy of cleaning. And it wasn’t just about wiping down counters or doing dishes—it was about creating a space that felt peaceful and aligned.

Sure, some of you may have dreaded the constant cleaning and disinfecting (understandably so), but for others, it was almost like a spiritual awakening. The act of cleaning became a way to reconnect with their environment, transform their energy, and find steadiness in the midst of uncertainty. The simple act of cleaning their space gave people the mental space they needed to reset, recharge, and refocus.

Pop culture’s take on purification

Still skeptical? Consider the fact that the minimalist movement—led by figures like Marie Kondo—has exploded worldwide. In her famous book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo encourages people to purge their homes of anything that doesn’t “spark joy.” It’s a method of cleaning that’s rooted in the same idea as Kiyomeru: when you clear away the physical clutter, you make room for mental and emotional clarity. And hey, it’s not just about tidying up; it’s about aligning your space with positive energy. When you declutter, you invite more abundance into your life—whether it’s in your career, your relationships, or your personal well-being.

How to bring purification into your life (without getting weird about it)

Ready to try this whole Kiyomeru thing for yourself? Here are a few tips for turning cleaning into a personal, energy-boosting ritual:

1. Don’t just clean—set an intention: Before you start, take a moment to center yourself. What do you want to invite into your space? Calm? Clarity? Prosperity? Whatever it is, focus on it as you clean.
2. Make cleaning a ritual: Just like in tea ceremonies, cleaning can be a sacred act. Use the task as a way to connect with yourself. Every sweep of the broom or wipe of the counter should be done with full attention.
3. Mindful cleaning = less stress: Instead of rushing through it, slow down. Pay attention to the small details. It’ll help calm your mind and help you stay in the present.
4. Upgrade your tools: Yes, this sounds silly, but when you use high-quality cleaning tools, you treat the task with respect. A nice mop or a new cleaning cloth can make you feel like a pro.
5. Regular cleaning = positive energy: Don’t wait for your space to turn into a disaster before you clean it. A tidy environment regularly will keep your energy aligned and your mind sharp.

Yes, purification is everything

Cleaning is way more than just scrubbing floors or folding towels. When you approach it as an act of purification—mindfully and intentionally—you transform not just your space but your entire life. It’s time to stop seeing cleaning as a “low-grade” task and start seeing it for what it truly is: a powerful ritual that cleanses your environment and your mind.

So, next time you grab a broom or wipe down your desk, remember: this isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about purification, energy, and creating the space for your best self to thrive.