Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘Eventually, I found that while the soup-making task had its (somewhat-limited) creative expression, the chopping and tearing and washing chores were also expressive and there was enjoyment in these simple, repetitive tasks. There was freedom, too, in the realization that always getting what I thought I wanted or what I believed I liked wasn’t going to bring me lasting pleasure. So I learned to stop chasing my desires and to settle more deeply into myself and the rhythms of monastic life. Soon I discovered that the greatest joy ultimately came not from getting my preferences met but in responding to whatever request was in front of me.’ (Finding Yourself in the Kitchen)