Chop Wood, Carry Water

Valerie Weilert, in many ways, is the glue of the current HPW Elite corps.

Zen Buddhism employs koans as a catalyst for deep contemplation which may trigger enlightenment. 

My favorite koan: 

• Before enlightenment: Chop wood, carry water
• After enlightenment: Chop wood, carry water 

The understandings I currently gather from it: humility, importance of the fundamentals, the value of craftsmanship, the magnificence of the mundane, & enlightenment not as a goal but a process that needs consistent attention.

Total appreciation of the monotonous and exhausting art which is distance running is a privilege too few truly unlock. Just like enlightenment, there is a simple, yet tedious path to discovery: the daily practice of chopping wood and carrying water by putting one foot in front of the other and running one mile after another. 

Thanks for reading. I'm glad you're here. // jm