“When walking, walk. When eating, eat.” —Zen Proverb
Recently, I became a full-time writer.
Since making the change, friends and acquaintances have asked often how I enjoy my new role in the world. I typically respond by saying, “Well, you know what they say… I hate writing, but I enjoy having written.” I’ll go on to describe the difficult and unsexy writing process. But then I’ll describe how wonderful it feels to finish something that will be read and will live on to be picked up by any person, anywhere, at any point in the future. It’s a wonderful feeling really. And the quote is actually a pretty good description of the process.
But there’s one problem with my response—it focuses all joy on the outcome rather than the journey. It finds fulfillment in the product, but not in the process. And this tendency to focus postively on the outcome while lamenting the journey is far too common.
We long for the house to be clean, but hate the steps to get there. We look forward to reaching a desired weight but suffer through the diet or the exercise. We desire the college degree, but despise the homework assignments along the way. We live for the weekend when our work will be done, but complain about the idea of Monday morning coming again so soon.
This approach of only appreciating joy in the outcome robs us of countless moments along the way. When joy is only found in the final product, the rest of our lives are experienced as something to be avoided, endured, or suffered through.
This approach has other short-sighted, negative effects:
- It discounts the role and importance of work and effort in our lives.
- It misses opportunity to celebrate the small steps we take along the way.
- It overlooks the value of exercising discipline.
- It fails to appreciate the value of discomfort in our growth.
There is a better way: Mindfulness. Mindfulness maintains a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surrounding environment. It does not delay joy until the finish line. Instead, it seeks meaning and intentionality throughout each step of the process.
I learned this practice when I first stopped using a dishwasher. While I used to view washing dishes as a chore to be dreaded, I suddenly began to view it as the final step in our meal and an act of service to my family. This new approach began to change the way I viewed this chore and many others.
For exercise, I run without music. As a result, because the distractions have been limited, I am better able to listen to my body. If it feels good, I am free to be alone with myself and my thoughts—not longing for the finish line, but finding joy in every step (or at least, most of them) along the way.
Mindfulness has also changed my view of work and employment. Work is no longer something to be avoided or removed as soon as possible. But work is about contribution. It is about adding value to society and the people around me in exchange for the value they are adding. And there is great joy to be found in it.
There is a Zen proverb quoted at the beginning of this post that often gets modified around my house. It starts to sound like this, “When washing the dishes, wash the dishes. When doing homework, do homework. When playing with your friends, play with your friends. When cleaning the bathroom, clean the bathroom.” Each time, it communicates the same meaning:
Recognize the importance and the joy in your present activity. Be mindful in every moment and each step of the journey. There is indeed great joy to be found in the process—not just in the outcome.
And that feels good to have written.
I learned the importance of the “process” in writing my dissertation. How I wanted to finish the bless-ed document, viewing it just as a long term paper! But when I realized the objective was to learn the process of research, my view changed–and for the better. I learned that in the moment of “working toward” was joy, not drudgery. Once doctoral students learn this, the requirement is a source of enligtenment.
That tendency to focus on the outcome and not the process has kept me from accomplishing a lot of things. It was fear of the process, of the hard work, of the change it would require. When I think about it I feel sad for the experiences lost, but am so thankful for His new mercies every morning. This year has taught me its never too late. I’m practicing being more mindful to finally chase me dreams and to not be afraid. This is a great reminder that the journey often holds more for us than the outcome.
Being completely in the moment allowes me to be more aware of the things I love, of what brings me joy, satisfaction and a sense of self. It also allows me to know what does not make me feel this way. Of what brings conflict, creates pain, dissatisfaction and unnecessary work for myself.. These are the things I can let go of, remove from my life, discard allowing more space to live more fully in. Then I have more time to work toward more worthy goals, improving my space and self and helping where I’m needed.
That is what I’m striving for. Thanks for the reminder.
Your articles are always a joy to read… and I walk away with a new sense of enthusiasm for a minimalist lifestyle. I work on it each day, with success.
I try to do each chore as a prayer. We travel for work and will leave on Sunday, driving the back roads or beach roads.
This article is amazing, and the writer is amazing too, I love to read all your articles and it has a great impact in my life. Thanks so much!
Great reminder! I too struggle with the same frame of mind, thinking i have to get through something for the better thing that’s around the corner. Your blogs are always so inspiring!
Washing dishes by hand is fine as long as the sink is appropriate to your height.
Back pain from dish washing or ironing isn’t fun.
Thanks for your very inspiring blog, Joshua!
The quote / Zen Proverb maid me immediately think of a book of Wil Derkse: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82410.The_Rule_Of_Benedict_For_Beginners
I wonder if you know this author…?
I’m looking forward to your next post and warm greetings from the Netherlands!
Thank you for your beautiful writings and your wonderful page on FB. Your message is so vey important in a world where we are constantly receiving brainwashing messages to consume, shop and buy. I was blessed to have a son who had these feelings and thoughts at an early age and kept pushing me to shut off the television ! “because lies to you Mom about of the reality of life and promotes everyone from children to adults to continue to participate in the addiction of more.”
I’m currently in the process of selling, trashing, and donating my clutter. While I strongly anticipate the outcome (because I want it so bad, my clutter is literally making me nauseous), I have found appreciation for this process. It’s been about 3 weeks or so now and it is truly a purifying experience for the soul. I surely believe I must go through this to appreciate my clutter free home. I read a few posts on this website daily to remind myself that this is a journey well worth the effort. With having people close to me that live for possessions and depend on them for happiness, I see where I went wrong in life. I have already shared your work with many. Thank you
Yes, this is such good wisdom. My Czechoslovakian grandmother used to say, “When we work, we work….and when we play, we play!” This is not necessarily something a child wants to hear….but instilled in me a good work ethic as a grownup where I am able to accomplish what I need to do and focus while I’m doing it.
I love this post. I’ve been trying to practice mindfulness lately, so perfect timing for me. Thank you for the inspiration!
Lovely this one. Sorry I’m a bit behind, I hope to show my appreciation for your process by commenting more. Secret: When I was young — very young actually, we drove to my grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving and my mother and her two sisters were washing the dishes after dinner (there was no dishwasher), and they were laughing and having so much fun I wished I was old enough to was dishes and couldn’t wait until I could be big enough to wash dishes! So I’ve always seen washing dishes as fun! And then there’s there’s the whole mindfulness of it all too. :)