Chop Wood, Carry Water
“Before enlightenment—chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment—chop wood, carry water.”
—Zen Buddhist Proverb
The duties are the same. The need is the same. So what’s the difference?
The frame of mind.
The practice of mindfulness—being in the present moment—invites us to focus on the task at hand. When we’re in the moment, everything becomes lighter; we’re not compelled to watch the clock.
When we’re fully present, we discover that work is no longer a burden.
Wood is chopped. Water is carried. Life happens.
At our house, one of our favorite areas to practice mindfulness is eating. Len and I share a middle name—Hoover. We tend vacuum the food right off our plates!
That is…until we started eating with chopsticks. These wonderful utensils have caused us to slow down. To pause. To reflect.
What’s your favorite task to practice mindfulness?
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan
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© 2012 Laurie Buchanan– All Rights Reserved
