Motion vs. Action

Never mistake motion for action. - Earnest Hemingway

A good thing for me to remember. I think oftentimes we feel the need to keep busy for one reason or another: societal pressure, avoidance or simply biting off more than we are able to chew . Sometimes our motion has purpose and we're actually accomplishing something and other times it is just an expenditure of energy without result. How often do we create work for ourselves?

There are days when I am busy the entire day and the only time I sit down is to send an email or eat lunch. I'm crossing things off my list, but still feel like I'm stuck in one place and treading water. Much of what needs to get done in a day is just task-y, repetitive stuff that is never really finished: straightening up the house, cleaning, cooking. It all has to be repeated over and over on a daily basis, but unless you want to live in a pigsty and eat takeout every night (or have live-in help!) there's no way to avoid it. I've tried to approach the mundane things with a mindful attitude. I'm nurturing my home, my garden, my pets and my family. There is a certain satisfaction and joy in that if you pay attention to what you are doing.

So, what is the difference between motion and action? I'd say it's in the eye of the beholder. Everyone has a different definition of what is important and meaningful to them; whether it be their work, their art, their avocation, hobbies or everyday tasks. It's up to each of us to decide what action we want to accomplish with our motion.