Washing our hands is an important way to stop the spread of germs though without some degree of mindfulness we can forget to wash hands at useful times, we can touch things that we don't need to and we can rush through our hand washing process which defeats the purpose of hand washing anyway.
Mindful hand washing is far more than just preventing germs though. It helps us to tune in and savour the richness of this moment. All those little details of temperature, hands, water and soap while also making space for us to breath and get some clarity on our overall state. It helps us build a habit of mindfulness that naturally ripples through everything we bring attention to. It's literally a mindful hand washing gift that keeps on giving, again and again, more and more as we practice.
It's recommended that you wash your hands "properly", and if you really want to get the most from it "mindfully" washing your hands at the following times:
- BEFORE, DURING and AFTER preparing food.
- BEFORE eating food.
- BEFORE and AFTER caring for a sick person.
- AFTER using the toilet.
- AFTER changing the diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet.
- AFTER blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- AFTER touching animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
- AFTER touching garbage.
You can find more about hand washing at the WHO:
https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_and_When_Brochure.pdf
Please feel free to ask any questions and if you're interested in diving further into your mindfulness practice visit: http://Mindfulness2Life.org
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