One of my favorite times is after a party / gathering. I love the process of cleaning up and putting away, watching everything come back together again.
I love the happening itself and the pre-gathering – making it happen, picking and choosing what is needed to make everything comfy and happy for all. Then the happening – conversations, hugs, listening, while also putting out more food, more plates, different music.
But replaying and relishing all those conversations, making the living room look like itself again, loading, unloading, reloading the dishwasher. All of that is also very joyful for me. If it’s been a huge group, I might let someone else help / participate in my ritual. But usually not. I don’t mind if it takes two or three days. I get into the rhythm of the process, bringing one room and then another back into its usual harmony.
This was especially true with this happy and calm Thanksgiving. The return to the natural order didn’t take long, either, since there were only 5 of us at dinner. So pleasant. Aaaaaahhhhh.