Practising presence and not productivity during this global lockdown
“Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.” — Zen Kōan
We carry our past forward with us, we yearn for something in the future and all the time we miss what is in front of us at all times. Life is beautiful right in front of us at every moment. Focusing on this moment right now prevents the mind from drifting to wants, needs and desires. It nudges us into a state of receptivity by releasing any attachment to outcomes.
Why is this relevant? It teaches us to be aware of the transience of visual forms. That being is more important than doing…
“Doing is never enough if you neglect Being. The ego knows nothing of being but believes you will eventually be saved by doing. If you are in the grip of the ego, you believe that by doing more and more you will eventually accumulate enough ‘doings’ to make yourself feel complete at some point in the future. You won’t. You will only lose yourself in doing. The entire civilization is losing itself in doing that is not rooted in Being and thus becomes futile.” Eckhart Tolle
Although Live-In Care may not be a ‘glamourous’ profession, practising presence and not productivity during this ‘global lockdown’ is a way to appreciate the extraordinary miracles in relatively ordinary life. We are blessed to have free will and can choose to change our perspective – create a new normal…
When you engage in everyday tasks in a meditative, contemplative way, we clear our energy to receive downloads which bring us a step closer to engaging with the invisible and internal aspects of our true self. The external and the visible acts remain constant – the body is busy but the mind is still
“Taking your attention away from your goal brings you into a state of receptivity. This is the deeper purpose for releasing attachment. ”
CHOP WOOD ~
from the Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards by Colette Baron-Reid
Chores become less mundane and instead of resisting and loathing the repetitive daily routine, you can choose gratitude for the small things – like all the physical attributes that enable you to work in the first place-
Some may say that a good meditation routine is enough to keep you present but there is no point in gaining clarity of mind if you lose it as soon as you become active! It needs to be built into your day, a re-creation of habitual activities that keep us centred with the intent to find presence. Focusing on a task stops the mind from wandering and confirms that multitasking is overrated!
“Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.’ Swami Sivananda
Three months is a long time to be in the service of a vulnerable client. If we open our awareness of the tasks in our lives, they suddenly become lighter. When we are able to be in the moment, we no longer feel compelled to watch the clock… Wood is chopped. Water is carried. Life happens.
