Mistaking movement for action

I’m walking down the road, cause it feels like it’s the right thing to do. Everyone else is walking and I don’t want to be a lazy so-and-so. But I get the feeling that I’m caught up in the momentum of movement without having a greater purpose, a sense of meaning to the steps that I take. What is my goal? When I arrive at the destination, will I be happy that I have arrived? Will I be expecting the outcome, or will I be surprised…so this is where this road goes.

Yep, I’m caught in the trap, mistaking movement for action. It’s a common trap, looking good in the eyes of others but not having a clue if my frenzied activity means anything to me. When I arrive at a commonly celebrated destination, such as a work goal or a physical fitness pinnacle, and there’s no emotional thrill, no feeling of achievement, no pride in a job well done, then I can tell I’m on the wrong track. Don Juan, Carlos Castaneda’s famed mentor, adds perspective here:

Anything is one of a million paths. Therefore you must always keep in mind that a path is only a path; if you feel you should not follow it, you must not stay with it under any conditions.

Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Ask this question: Does this path have a heart? All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. If it has heart, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you.   

Before you embark on any path ask the question: Does this path have a heart? If the answer is no, you will know it, and then you must choose another path. The trouble is nobody asks the question; and when a man finally realises that he has taken a path without a heart, the path is ready to kill him. At that point very few men can stop to deliberate, and leave the path. A path without a heart is never enjoyable. You have to work hard even to take it. On the other hand, a path with heart is easy; it does not make you work at liking it.

Honest, idealistic, scary.... perfect. I can taste a re-evaluation coming my way - time to flip the switch.