“He did each single thing as if he did nothing else.” – Charles Dickens
So often in life, we get pulled in multiple directions. Or we allow our mind to wander and run through old events that don’t matter anymore or future events that are just an illusion. I appreciate this quote from Dickens because to be truly measured and stable is to focus on one thing at a time in the present moment. So if you are washing the dishes, really wash the dishes. If you are reading, pay attention to what you are reading. If you are with another, be fully present. There is a Zen story about attaining true awareness:
After ten years of apprenticeship, Tenno achieved the rank of Zen teacher. One rainy day, he went to visit the famous master Nan-in. When he walked in, the master greeted him with a question, “Did you leave your wooden clogs and umbrella on the porch?”
“Yes,” Tenno replied.
“Tell me,” the master continued, “did you place your umbrella to the left of your shoes, or to the right?”
Tenno did not know the answer, and realized that he had not yet attained full awareness. So he became Nan-in’s apprentice and studied under him for ten more years.
—
Being fully aware as you do what needs to be done will eliminate so many of your concerns and distractions. Becoming more meditative and still in the moments you have nothing to do will help you to achieve and maintain a more peaceful disposition. When you avoid allowing scattered attention, thoughts and emotions to disrupt your peace, you will feel lighter (for all of those things are forms of baggage that will weigh you down!). Truly living in the moment and addressing one single thing at a time is the key to removing that burden.
Photo source: in the moment