Chop Wood, Carry Water

There's a Zen proverb that's been resonating with me lately...

Essentially, what it means to me is similar to the "keep on keepin' on" mantra.  No matter where you are at in life, obstacles you may face, successes you may have, "chop wood, carry water" or "keep on keepin' on".  

You see, a lot of people believe that the end result is what we are working toward, but is it?  Isn't it the work that leads you there the most rewarding and important part of your journey towards the end result or your, dare I say, enlightenment?  

Are we ever in a place in life where we don't ask ourselves whether or not we will be there next year, or the year after?  Sometimes we have a choice in those matters and sometimes we are just along for the ride.

Point is, be in the moment.  If you are chopping wood (so to speak) pay attention to the way the handle of the axe feels in your hand, the smell of freshly cut wood, the sound of the fibers of the wood breaking apart.  If you are carrying water, feel the weight of the bucket against your fingers, pay attention to the water sloshing out as the bucket tries to build a cadence with your step.  Don't watch the clock.  Focus on your work because at the end of the day, the wood will be chopped, the water will be carried and your life will be lived.