Chop Wood. Carry Water. Repeat.
If you saw my Instagram this weekend, you may already know that, once again, we have foster puppies.
Different rescue groups pair with municipal shelters in the various Southern States and offer to rescue dogs, cats, and litters of puppies and kittens. Unfortunately, these foster-based rescue groups can only speak up for as many animals as they have foster homes willing to take them in once they arrive.
I said I could take two puppies, so my daughter, Lotus and I, headed to NYC to meet the transport van to collect our new charges in the wee hours on Saturday.
They are ridiculously cute and require a "rewardingly abundant" amount of time and energy.
Puppies unleash the flow of nurturing energy evoking so much love--and laundry.
It makes me think of that Buddhist saying, "Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water."
Perhaps in our more modern era, we should substitute those chores with, "Wash the dishes, do the laundry." However, living on a farm, my honey and I regularly chop wood and carry water. ;)
We also wash dishes, and now, with two more puppies, the washer is going in full tilt.
One may not see a difference between a layperson and an enlightened soul going about their daily tasks from the outside. However, all too often, while performing grunt work, many people are resentful, perhaps even wishing they were somewhere else.
To the "enlightened," or, to use a more practical term, "mindful individual," the world of difference is the attitude they bring to the task at hand.
But enlightenment isn't found on some esoteric spiritual quest, or even, for the most part, on your yoga mat. Instead, happiness, fulfillment, and enlightenment are yours when you are fully present and mindful of your life's mundane tasks.
When you perform your daily duties with a spirit of generosity and gratitude, you infuse that energy into every moment.
Our way of life has accelerated relentlessly over the past several generations. Unfortunately, the multitasking demanded of people just to keep pace with their email inbox has made slowing down and paying attention to anything a bit of a lost art.
When you fully attend to those around you--children, partners, friends, and animals--you slow down and become aware of the present moment. You also invite them to join you.
Most days, Eric and I do our morning meditation while doing the barn chores. Yes, you can watch your breath and say affirmations or mantras while working. Thich Nhat Hanh calls this a work meditation (practiced at Plum Village and his other retreat centers). For me, it is the best way to start the day. In (mostly) silence, smiling, grateful, tending, and attending. We connect to the land, the animals, and each other.
And now, with two eight-week-old puppies bringing a whole new dynamic of joyful service.
I wish you all a wonderful and mindful week ahead—moment by moment, breath by breath.
I have to go throw in another load….
With so much love,
Kari