A great Buddhist monk is known for saying, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”
The saying has so much meaning, it’s magical. For one, it represents the human truth that no matter whether you’re enlightened or not, humanity is enmeshed in the same mundane tasks. No one is above another. We all have responsibilities. Enlightenment doesn’t separate us, which ultimately means nothing separates us.
The phrase also symbolizes the significance of finding peace in our mundane tasks.
I’m not enlightened. Not even close. But I did have an aha moment today while I was drying dishes that struck me as worth writing about.
I was alone in the kitchen, working through my pile of what felt like 30 dishes and pots and pans. And instead of feeling stuck or exhausted or alone in my task, I felt a surge of gratitude. It occurred to me that life is moving so fast. One day, our children will be grown, and I won’t have so many dishes to do. I will have time and space to do…..nothing? Well, not nothing, but certainly something else.
The mundane tasks I used to loathe are a part of my human experience. Within them is something to cherish. This brings me peace.
Peace in dishes? You betcha!
What brought you peace this week? Share the peace!
4 the Love of Peace 