chop wood, carry water

In Zen Buddhism, there is a well-known koan:

Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

Maybe you’ve heard this saying before. There are different interpretations of what it means. Some people say this koan means that even after you’re liberated from all of the traps of your mind, you still have to attend to the basics of living: chopping wood and carrying water. Others take it to mean that once you reach a state of enlightenment, or true bliss, chopping wood and carrying water is no longer a mundane chore, but it’s as meaningful as any other experience you could have.

I like these interpretations. And, I have a slightly different take on chop wood, carry water. Here it is:

Being human is hard. Sometimes life sucks. Sometimes you feel like your life is falling apart. These times don’t feel like peak experiences, but rather bottom-of-the-barrel experiences. When you feel like your life is going to shit, there is a place to focus. Chop wood, carry water. Place your attention on the basics, the things that need to be done. And eventually - because life works this way - this time of hardship will pass into something else.

The phrase chop wood, carry water has been on my mind a lot lately. There’s so much simple wisdom to it. I don’t think many people would disagree that our world is pretty jacked up right now. Escalating war in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, extreme social unrest, economic disparity, climate change…I could go on and on. It’s not hard to find examples of instability and decline. It’s easy to feel worried. If you’re able, you get involved and help where you can.

And.

Life is happening. The world is turning. The sun is coming up in the morning. Where can you put your attention on a daily basis, when so much in your internal and external world seems to be going wrong?

Chop wood, carry water.

Want some modern-day alternatives?

Make the bed, drive the kids to school. Put the kettle on, load the dishwasher. Do the laundry, take in the sunset. Wash your face, feel your feet on the ground.

What are the basics things in your day that just need to be done? What are the simplest, most mundane tasks that also ground you and bring you into the present? The things that allow you to practice your devotion to your life?

Chop wood, carry water.

Be in this moment, in all of its complexity. Because whatever you’re experiencing right now…it won’t last forever.

Want a companion on your journey? Tune into my podcast, coming home (to yourself). Or set up a free connection call with me. As always, may your week be filled with self-love and rich insights. With love, Amy ♡♡♡