Embracing Simplicity — Lessons From “Chop Wood, Carry Water”

“Intention without surrender is delusion.”

~Tosha Silver

In this piece, I will muse about how it feels to be led to ALL we have ever wanted or not wanted in life and what we do then. How do we stay engaged and focused, present and willing when we say yes and start to feel ourselves being led by the hand of something much bigger than us?

Can you relate? Do you ever feel like I did recently, being led to a place that feels like your dreams coming true, and again like me, you have no way of knowing how that might happen?

Do you ever find yourself feeling like you followed all of the breadcrumbs to a place you have always wanted to be, and right before you get there, the path seems to end with only unlimited potential between you and your dream?

Conversely, have you ever felt yourself so unwilling to be where you are that it feels way more like a nightmare than a life?

I am here to remind you that no matter where you fall on the above continuum, to not give up on your Daydreams, or your nightmares. To live your day holding all of the feels dear, whilst at the same time you are experiencing the life in front of you.

Remember to stay present in all that you do so that the vision in your heart can be seen unfolding in each perfectly placed moment, even if it’s not fully manifested yet.

Lastly, practice being open to the detours and the come hither while staying in the here and now.

How do we do all of that, you ask? We “Chop Wood, Carry Water”

“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.
After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water”

~Budah

“Chop Wood Carry Water”

Is an idea made famous by the Budha quote above and by the book of the same name written by Joshua Medcalf.

The book focuses on the journey of a young martial artist, John, as he seeks spiritual growth and self-discovery through the teachings of a wise old monk. From a spiritual lens, the book illustrates several key themes and lessons: