Chop Wood

Ever feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what direction your life will go next? Here is what to do…

Chop wood and carry water. 

This is an ancient phrase from Zen Buddhism that teaches the importance of returning to the basics when we are suffering or facing uncertainty.

In cultural context, monks would chop wood for the monastery and carry water from the well. These were daily chores that were used to teach service to others, intention, and mindfulness. The belief was that the act of contributing to others in the monastery, as well as the physical labor, would help to ease a worried mind. 

It is said that when a monk was saddened by the suffering of the world, he would be told, “chop wood and carry water” as if to say: go about your daily tasks, pray, and then repeat that again tomorrow. 

Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk and one of my favorite teachers of compassion, offers us his version of this teaching: “While washing the dishes, one should only be washing the dishes, which means that while washing the dishes one should be completely aware of the fact that one is washing the dishes."

In the winds of change, we can stay anchored in our daily chores. It is healing to return to the basics and mindfully do mundane tasks with intention to help us stay in the present moment. 

Our brains like to forecast forward to keep us safe and prepared for the worst possible scenarios. But looking into an unknown future can also cause us anxiety. We have the capability to imagine a positive future or a negative one, both are acts of our imagination. We know nothing for sure. We never do. Let’s quiet our imaginations for today and instead just chop wood and carry water. Burn some stress, serve your family, talk to God, and love all people. Repeat again day after day.

Staying present is a miraculous cure for unease and worry. Reign your mind back in to the moment at hand. This is the moment we know. This is the moment we choose how we will live. This is the moment we choose our attitude. 

Right here, right now. That is our focus. 

Off to chop and carry,