If habits are the daily protein that we need to grow, then dreams are like the seasoning. Anyone understands that too much salt will make your food inedible.
Said differently: An intense and vivid dream can point one towards a path—but walking the path can only be done by taking one step at a time. Doing the daily work is equivalent to taking one step at a time. Dreams can be used as a kind of map to course-correct—but one should never be complacent when it comes to physical execution.
Chop Wood, Carry Water
There is a Buddhist saying: “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” This proverb reminds us that, for the most part, pre-enlightened circumstances are essentially the same as post-enlightened circumstances. Enlightened or not, we still have to wash dishes, make food, feed the cats, etc. That said, true enlightenment means that we have gone through an internal change. Enlightenment, or Presence as I like to refer to it, involves less psychological suffering.
When Present, our relationship with this moment right now changes. Our relationship with people and things around us changes. We are no longer doing something for some sort of gain in the future. We are no longer stuck in thinking loops. We are no longer avoiding certain emotions. We are no longer an empty vessel that seeks to be filled by material things and the attention of others. We are just enjoying this moment right now. We recognise that we are already whole and need nothing from the outside to fill us. It’s a state filled with gratitude and joy.
But being Present doesn’t mean that we are set free from contending with physical circumstances and challenges. You see this sort of thinking emerge from gurus and people who believe themselves to be “chosen ones”. They believe that because they are “chosen”, certain activities are now beneath them. It’s a kind of internal belief that says: “I’m important. Why should I suffer discomfort?” But the truth is that life is filled with suffering. This is true for everyone.
Also, I don’t take “chosen ones” seriously. They have no humility. They have no true internal power. They have to elevate themselves to cover deep internal doubts. In my view, the waitress who serves her customers with impeccability and integrity is way more enlightened. Chop wood. Carry water.
Balance Potent Dreams With Daily Action
Potent spiritual experiences must be balanced with concrete action and daily steps. The daily grind is always less glamorous than the vision or the peak experience.
Many yearn for visions and peak experiences. I think this is because, for the most part, life feels hard. People are seeking something to counter the internal hardship that they face every day. An antidote to this is to confront the internal hardship directly. Resolve the internal pain directly by feeling what is there.
Additionally, visions and vivid dreams feel tangible, alive, and exciting. Eating healthy, exercising, grounding, reading, abstaining from smoking—these things are less exciting. Allowing painful emotions to build and release—that’s downright difficult.
But the daily, mundane steps that we take, in the end, are what matters most. We cannot bring visions and ideas to fruition if we cannot show up in the first place. And importantly, we should show up with Presence.