The Sacredness of The Small: The Devotion of Doing Simple Things Well.
In our fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, the idea of finding fulfilment in small, simple tasks can seem almost quaint. Yet, my recent experience spending three months in an ashram, performing hours of vegetable chopping seva (selfless service) each day, illuminated profound truths about the value of simplicity and the deep, spiritual growth that comes from devoting oneself to doing small things well.
The Power of Presence
One of the first lessons I learned was the power of presence. In the ashram, life slows down, and the noise of the outside world fades away. As I sat, knife in hand, I found that the act of chopping vegetables required my full attention. Each cut, each slice, became a meditation. This simple, repetitive task brought me into the present moment in a way few activities ever had.
In our daily lives, we are often distracted, multitasking, and rushing from one thing to the next. However, when we bring our full attention to the task at hand, no matter how mundane it might seem, we find a certain peace and fulfilment. This mindfulness transforms the act of chopping vegetables from a chore into a sacred practice.
Devotion in the Details
Devotion is often thought of as grand gestures or deep, intense emotions. But true devotion can also be found in the details of everyday life. During my seva, I learned that devotion is about showing up fully and wholeheartedly to whatever you are doing. It’s about caring deeply and taking pride in even the smallest tasks.
As I chopped vegetables, I began to see my work as a form of offering. Each perfectly sliced carrot or neatly diced potato became a gift, a way to serve the community and honour the divine. This sense of devotion imbued my actions with meaning and purpose, transforming the mundane into something beautiful and significant.
Humility and Service
Performing seva taught me humility. In the ashram, there were no accolades or recognition for my work. My efforts were just one part of a larger whole, contributing to the well-being of the community. This experience reminded me that true service is not about seeking praise or validation but about giving selflessly and wholeheartedly.
Humility is a powerful teacher. It strips away the ego and helps us see our interconnectedness with others. Through humble service, we learn to appreciate the value of every contribution, no matter how small. This realisation fosters a sense of gratitude and respect for the efforts of others and deepens our own commitment to serving with love and integrity. In the vegetable chopping seva we had people that had varying abilities and there was a place for each person’s efforts and all were valued equally. From the 86 year old who didn’t have the strength to cut pumpkins as the younger man might, and yet his reliability and perfectionism were so much a part of the team effort, or the older lady recovering from an illness who owned the garlic efforts and ensured that the Brahmacharya was never without freshly peeled garlic, each gave what they were able.
Growth Through Repetition
Repetition is often seen as tedious, but it is also a path to mastery and growth. During my time in the ashram, I chopped thousands of vegetables. This repetition allowed me to refine my skills, becoming more efficient and precise. It also provided ample opportunity for introspection and self-awareness.
Through repetitive tasks, we learn patience and perseverance. We discover our limits and push beyond them. The simple act of repeating the same motion over and over becomes a form of practice, not just for the body but for the mind and spirit. It teaches us to find joy in the process rather than fixating on the outcome.
The Beauty of Simplicity
There is a profound beauty in simplicity. In our quest for bigger, better, and more, we often overlook the richness that lies in the simple and the ordinary. My time in the ashram reminded me that the small things are just as important as the big ones. Each slice of a vegetable, each act of service, contributes to the tapestry of life.
Simplicity allows us to focus on what truly matters. It helps us strip away the excess and find clarity and purpose. When we embrace simplicity, we open ourselves to deeper connections with others and with ourselves. We learn to appreciate the small moments and find joy in the present.
Integrating Lessons into Daily Life
The lessons I learned in the ashram are not confined to that sacred space. They are principles that can be integrated into daily life, bringing a sense of peace and fulfilment to everything we do.
1. Practice Mindfulness: Bring full attention to whatever task you are performing. Whether it’s washing dishes, writing an email, or having a conversation, be fully present.
2. Embrace Devotion: Approach each task with a sense of devotion. Take pride in your work, no matter how small, and see it as an offering.
3. Cultivate Humility: Remember that every contribution matters. Serve others selflessly and appreciate the efforts of those around you.
4. Find Joy in Repetition: See repetitive tasks as opportunities for growth and mastery. Embrace the process and find joy in the act of doing.
5. Appreciate Simplicity: Recognise the beauty in simple things. Focus on what truly matters and find contentment in the present moment.
Conclusion
My experience of chopping vegetables in the ashram was a beautiful reminder, truly the first time I’ve been deeply present to the joy in doing simple things well. It reminded me of the power of presence, the depth of devotion, the humility of service, the growth in repetition, and the beauty of simplicity. These lessons are universal, applicable to any aspect of life. By embracing the small things and doing them well, we find a path to spiritual growth and fulfilment. In the end, it is through the small, simple acts that we cultivate a life of meaning, purpose, and joy.
