Cleaning the house can be a nightmare for many: accumulated dishes, dust that returns as soon as you turn your back, and that feeling of “not knowing where to start”. But in Japan there is an ancient principle that completely overturns this way of seeing things. It is called Kiyomeru (清める) and means “to purify”. Not only the house, but also the soul.
This concept arises from a profound vision of daily life, rooted in Shinto and Buddhist philosophy, where every gesture – even the simplest – can become a form of gratitude and meditation.
Cleaning is not a duty: it is a ritual of gratitude
For most of us, household cleaning is a burden. But in Japan they are considered an act of love towards the space in which we live.
Azumi Uchitani, artist, writer and co-founder of Japanese Wisdom Academyexplains that the term Kiyomeru comes from the character 清, which represents purity and cleanliness. But its meaning goes far beyond physical hygiene: it is a spiritual purification, a way to harmonize the energies of the home and renew oneself.
Cleaning, therefore, becomes a form of respect: towards the objects that accompany us every day, towards the rooms that protect us, and towards the time we spend within those walls.
When cleaning becomes meditation
In Japan, even the tea ceremony (Sado) begins and ends with the cleaning of the utensils. Even if they are already perfectly clean, they are “purified” again, in a symbolic gesture of respect and gratitude.
The goal is not to eliminate dust, but to renew energy and honor what you use.
Applying this approach to your home life can radically change your perception of cleaning. Instead of experiencing them as a condemnation, they become a moment of calm and awareness. A practice that teaches us to say “thank you” for the house we have, instead of complaining about the work it requires.
Where to start: the rules of Kiyomeru
According to Uchitani, the first step is to change mentality. “Our environment is an extension of ourselves. As we care for the body, we must also care for our surroundings.”
1. Create small daily rituals
Every morning make your bed, open the windows and let in new air. In the evening, take a few minutes to tidy up. They are small gestures that generate harmony.
2. Make cleaning a habit
As you brush your teeth every day, you also clean the main areas of the house. One minute for the sink, ten for dusting, a few moments to thank the space that hosts you.
3. Start with the entryway and bedroom
We recommend starting from the most significant areas: the entrance, which welcomes new energy, and the bedroom, where you rest. This is where physical cleansing also becomes mental purification.
4. Use natural products
To complete the ritual, avoid aggressive detergents: prefer natural perfumes that diffuse delicate and environmentally friendly fragrances.
The benefits of the Kiyomeru principle
Adopting this method is not just a matter of order. It is a transformation of the way of life.
1. Harmony and serenity – Living in a clean and purified space promotes calm and concentration. Energy flows better and the mind becomes lighter.
2. Respect for what you own – You learn to take care of objects carefully, stopping considering them “things” and starting to see them as part of your daily life.
3. Less stress, more awareness – Cleaning is no longer a punishment, but an act of self-care. When space is in order, thoughts also become organised.
4. Renewed Energy – A purified environment improves mood, stimulates productivity and brings mental clarity.
5. Personal well-being – Every cleaning gesture becomes a moment to take care of yourself. You feel more present, calmer, more at peace.
Living according to Kiyomeru
Kiyomeru is not a simple technique, but a lifestyle. It is an invitation to slow down, to observe the world around us and to transform everyday life into a ritual of balance and gratitude.
In Japan, living well means living in harmony with our surroundings. Cleaning, then, becomes a form of meditation in movement: a silent dance that purifies, renews and reconnects.
And if you think about it, you don’t need a Zen temple to feel at peace: all you need is a rag, a little awareness and the desire to transform your home into a sanctuary of serenity.
