Chop Wood, Carry Water

Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

—Wu Li (Koan)

Today, I volunteered at The Enzian, a nonprofit cinema in Orlando, FL. My job was simple: carry water to guests' tables and check people in at the door. What I didn’t expect was the profound lesson in the value of hands-on involvement.

Carrying water reminded me of this cryptic saying attributed to Wu Li, emphasizing the simple beauty of necessary tasks in life. In our modern world, technology and convenience have taken us far away from chopping wood or carrying water. These advancements, while beneficial, often distance us from each other as humans.

We certainly don't chop as much wood or carry as much water as Wu Li today. Wood and water can also be metaphors for tasks we don’t want to do but are vital to our teams, families, or communities. These are things we must do, no matter how intellectually astute or financially powerful we are. None of us escape these tasks, and pretending we are immune creates an unsustainable trap, a house of cards awaiting a strong breeze.

As I checked people in at the door, I realized why I love this industry. I enjoy seeing people experience new things, providing a higher function and service. I saw people from all walks of life queuing up to see Godzilla, a favorite of mine. This hands-on involvement gave me a deeper appreciation for the simple, yet essential tasks that make our experiences possible. As a leader in this space, it's easy to become distant from this reality while focusing on abstract problem-solving or trying to create growth.

Reflecting on this, I recognize the privilege of even being able to contemplate these aspects of life and leadership in a world so full of chaos. The opportunity to be of service, when I have been given so much, fills me with immense gratitude. It is a reminder that with privilege comes the responsibility to give back and support our communities.

Volunteering at The Enzian and supporting the team, as well as meeting all the guests, was a fantastic experience. Seeing one of my colleagues jump into a Godzilla suit, jump out, and then run to manually pull the curtain for the screen (because live entertainment) left me with a warm feeling, warm popcorn, and a reminder of the importance of community and giving back.

Certainly no enlightenment on my end, but a brief glimpse into the meaning of Wu Li.

If you’re in the Orlando area, stop by The Enzian for fantastic indie cinema programming and a welcoming community experience. What a salient reminder of the power in arts & culture. What a gift to bring us back together to the present moment, where our own unique insights can be sparked.