Keeping it simple.

"Chop wood, carry water."

My sister and I were talking yesterday about keeping things simple. There is so much to sift through in this life- especially if you’re trying to live it consciously and consistently. What a job sometimes! It’s enough to make my head spin on most days. Anyway, she kept repeating the phrase "Chop wood, carry water.", which apparently is an old zen saying. I can’t tell you how much I love this. It’s funny, too, considering that my life requires neither of those jobs- unless you count a watering can from time to time… Regardless, I’m soaking in its intention for my life.

Something that my parents really pounded into us as kids was that you didn’t have to feel great about something to do it anyway, because you know it’s what you need to do. It was the whole "fake it til you make it" kind of mentality, and I believe it’s benefited me so far. So, I’m meditating on that lately- having faith that as long as my actions are in line with what I believe is right, I’ll find myself where I’m supposed to be- with new wisdom and energy for the future. It doesn’t matter if I see the difference those actions make, it doesn’t matter if I feel tired or worn out, it doesn’t matter if I have no idea what the future holds or what I’m really meant to do… I just do the next right thing and I’ll find myself where I’m supposed to be. Chop wood. Carry water. So, as I was thinking about this stuff, only a few things stuck out to me. It’s pretty refreshing to see how uncomplicated it all is when I break it down.

I need to care for and nourish those around me, even when I’m as tired as she is.

I need to keep taking care of this home, even when I’m not sure where to start.

I need to keep learning… and to know when to take a break and simply enjoy myself, so that I can have the energy to DO something with that knowledge.

I need to remember to be grateful, and appreciate the small things. This one is big. It’s kind of what it’s all about sometimes…


Gracie
Gracie

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