I believe car washing is a detox for the soul. The story of how I, a former director, found salvation while washing my car.
There were times when I would wash my car at 2:00 AM in the company parking lot, sweating as I worked.
At the time, I was working as a director. It was normal for me to arrive at 8:00 AM and work until 1:00 or 2:00 AM. During busy seasons, there were days I would sleep in my car. Within the company, factional strife was rampant, and I was sometimes betrayed by colleagues I had trusted. My mind and body were pushed to the brink, to the point where doctors repeatedly recommended I take a leave of absence.
Around that time, there was a space on the first floor of the company where I could wash my car. "If something happens, go wash the car" became my personal pattern.
This is not a story about car care products or techniques. I want to write about what the time spent washing a car can mean for the soul.
"The director went to wash his car = something happened."
At first, it seems I was seen as just a "director who loves cars." But gradually, it became recognized in the office as a "sign that I was in a bad mood." I only learned this after I left the company, from a former subordinate. I couldn't help but laugh, but I think that just goes to show how much car washing had become my escape.
In the summer, I would be drenched in sweat even at night, sometimes getting bitten by mosquitoes while washing. In the early winter mornings, there were times when the water would freeze on the body of the car. It's a funny story now, but I think it just shows how absorbed I was.
"Thinking car wash" and "mindless car wash"
My state of mind while washing the car was not always the same.
When I was stuck after a meeting or while working on a project, I would think while moving my hands. Sometimes, I would come up with better ideas while moving my body than I would by groaning in front of my desk.
On the other hand, when my emotions were weighed down by betrayal or factional strife, I would try to empty my mind. At those times, the time I spent spraying water would naturally become longer. I think I was just creating a time to listen to the sound of the water and think about nothing.
"Thinking car wash" and "mindless car wash"—both were necessary times for me.
Why car washing is good for the soul
Looking back, I think car washing has many elements that make it suitable for stress relief.
First, you can move your body. When only your head is tired, a task with just the right amount of intensity helps you switch gears. It's not too strenuous, but it's not doing nothing either.
Next, the results are visible. Much of work-related stress comes from the fact that you don't see results immediately even after putting in the effort. But car washing is different. The more you do it, the cleaner the car in front of you becomes.
And finally, the sensation of water is pleasant. The sound, the feeling of it flowing, the look of the wet car body. My five senses are stimulated, and it feels like my mind is being reset.
Car washing doesn't have to be a chore
I think many people find car washing to be a hassle. Something you have to do, an obligation. You might have that kind of image of it.
But I don't think it has to be that way. Just move your hands at your own pace, whenever you like. If you want to think, you can think; if you want to empty your mind, you can do that too. It's not about being evaluated by anyone; it's just time for you and your car.
And one more thing. I don't think car washing has to be just for yourself. Before going out with family, before a date—when you move your hands while imagining someone's smile, it becomes a different kind of fun.
Back then, I was saved by washing my car. Even now, if something happens, I wash my car. I'm no longer a director, but that one pattern hasn't changed.
Thank you for reading to the end. If you resonated with this, I would be happy if you could press the "Like" button.