We often deceive ourselves into thinking that something isn’t dirty just because we can’t see the dirt. However, that’s not the truth. For example, when we talk about “cleanliness,” many people associate it with white socks. Whether in Western cultures or ancient Chinese dramas, white socks often symbolize cleanliness. Yet, starting from my grandparents’ generation, white socks were criticized as “hard to keep clean,” leading many to wear black socks instead. But does wearing black socks mean they don’t get dirty? No, it just means we can’t see the dirt. So, does unseen dirt cease to exist?

In tea ceremony practice, there is a strict rule: you must wear white socks to enter the tea room or step on the tatami mats. This rule reflects the emphasis on absolute cleanliness in the tea room. External cleanliness mirrors internal purity. Cleanliness is not a luxury; it is a hallmark of elegance. When your heart and mind are pure, you naturally desire your surroundings to reflect that purity.

Some may ask: isn’t this a form of attachment? Indeed, distinguishing and choosing is an initial phase of spiritual practice. Through external discipline—what some may call “pretending”—we train ourselves to ultimately transcend such distinctions. Without these preliminary steps, abandoning attachments too early may lead to indulgence, hindering self-improvement.

Our environment plays a pivotal role in shaping who we are. Improving our environment is the first step toward forming good habits. Our diet, daily routines, social circles, and activities—all constitute our ecological environment. By gradually optimizing these, our hearts and actions naturally elevate. Therefore, to cultivate better habits, start by transforming your environment, step by step, toward a better state.