Chop Wood & Carry Water

There’s a common analogy that’s been circling the spiritual community recently and felt appropriate to discuss here. When we revisit familiar challenges that we’ve already learned from, it may feel like we’re caught in a challenge-loop. In reality, we’re moving up a spiral to the next level of wisdom. We’re accessing a deeper aspect of it.

It’s not regression, even if it feels like you should already “know better and therefore do better.” Rather than chastising yourself, it’s an invitation to look deeper and see what is left to understand and integrate. What is that next level of learning you’re now ready for?

Sometimes the earlier challenges were training grounds for the deeper work. Ram Dass once said, “If you think you’re enlightened, go spend time with your family.” All to say, when we think we’ve done “all the work,” there’s still often more work to do that will reveal itself.

This is probably what keeps us humble. Often, our personal-growth work isn’t necessarily out there in the world, but with the home, family, and daily life we were given. It’s staying present in the little, ordinary details.

Zen wisdom traditions taught that even on the path of enlightenment we still need to “chop wood and carry water.” Meaning, enlightenment is not a magical escape from reality where responsibilities vanish; it is learning to live fully inside the present moment. And to experience the challenges as they arise. The points of growth are in how we react and respond to those challenges.

Spiritual depth keeps a person grounded in reality rather than chasing inflated ego, status, or a belief that challenges stop appearing. The path is not about reaching a final finish line, but how you treat each present moment. And we’re all still learning to be increasingly present.

All to say, when frustrations arise at the pace of your growth or when revisiting an old lesson, I invite you to consider offering yourself more grace…not less. I believe we’re going to be learning until the last breath leaves our body. So settle in…and enjoy the ride of this big ‘ol, messy, beautiful, non-linear, wonder-filled, heart-breaking and heart-expanding life.