“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Press enter or click to view image in full size Photo by Diego Gennaro on Unsplash I spent three years at a seminary. I was one decision away from becoming a priest for life. But I chose a completely different path. Over the years of reading, thinking, watching my own mind and pursuing “what is,” I kept circling back to this: attachment to “specific teachings” takes you away from the path of awareness. The first rule of any spiritual journey is this: do not get attached to your “spiritual path.” And you will almost certainly become attached to it. It has nothing to do with religion (a completely different topic). Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice.” But your mind wants stability. So it freezes what should stay fluid. You turn awareness into a permanent belief. And just like that, you’re stuck again.…