THE NARRATIVE ARC
My Hurricane Helene Strength Training Program
Chop wood, carry water
I live in Asheville, North Carolina. A little over two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene dumped vast amounts of water into the mountains of Western North Carolina, causing flooding that was beyond anyone’s expectations or preparations.
People died. Homes were destroyed. Local small businesses were washed away. The River Arts District, a popular destination for locals and tourists, is aptly named. It runs along the French Broad River, and it is — was — also home to many artists who established their studios and galleries there. It’s all gone now. Immeasurable creative work is gone.
Our grief is deep and real.
So is our strength.
Days after the storm, my friend Darcy and I sat together having a drink. She reminded me of the old Zen principle.
“What does the simple man do?” she said.
“Chop wood, carry water,” I said.
“What does the enlightened man do?”
“Chop wood, carry water.”
“And,” she said, “what will we do now?”
“Yeah, it’s my new strength training routine. Covers the big movements — push, pull, hinge, squat. I’m going to be…
