man wearing blue suit on beige ground near building

“To the disciples who were always asking for words of wisdom the Master said, ‘Wisdom is not expressed in words. It reveals itself in action.’

But when he saw them plunge headlong into activity, he laughed aloud and said, “That isn’t action. That’s motion.”

~ Anthony De Mello

 

I love this definition, and the laughter in this story.

Are you keeping busy, always moving from one activity to another? Or are you taking action?

Action is acting with intention. It means having an outcome in mind, purpose or sense of meaning.

When you apply the wisdom of your words and bring them into your daily activities, you are being true to your self.

When you are authentic in this way, you share your wisdom with the world.

Let us all be more mindful in our actions today.

Namaste

39 responses to “Action or Motion?”

  1. Mindful action. What a great way to go about my day. Thanks Val.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Louise❣️

      Like

  2. Wonderful Val. It’s good to be reminded of the distinction between the two.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Anita. 💕

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  3. This made me laugh a little too. Thanks for sharing it. I’m going to be more mindful of the difference.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Marlene. It’s been a helpful reminder for me too 😎

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Yes. It boils down to Mindful Actions vs. Mindless Distractions.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Nancy 💕

      Like

  5. Anthony De Mello saying creates an interest and your content made me going. Good one!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. wonderful, dear Val!
    may actions, of late
    are with stillness 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Stillness is perhaps the best choice of all. Thanks David 💛

      Like

  7. True, thought, without action, accomplishes nothing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So true. Thanks Eliza 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Very wise words to help us be aware of the purpose behind our everyday actions – or motions. Thank you, Val.
    .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you pyonchek. So glad this resonated with you 💛

      Like

  9. So true! Thanks for the reminder, Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a reminder for us all, and myself included Jill,💛 Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. What an insightful quote and message, Val. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad you enjoyed it Diana 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Great reminder Val, I needed this one today 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Irene 💛 I hope you are doing well and enjoying life 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you Val. I’m on the way to recovery after several new infections, which have demanded much energy and abundance. Wish you a beautiful day ❤

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Sending love and healing light your way ❤️🙏💕

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Thank you for your kindness, dear Val ❤

            Liked by 1 person

  12. I really love this challenge, Val. I’m in a new season of life (retirement) and you’ve tapped into some of the conversations I’m currently having with myself! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So glad it resonated with you Debra 💛

      Like

  13. I like this, “Action is acting with intention.” Motion reminds me of basketball 😉 It’s what my daughter’s college team did to move the ball around, stalling for time at the end of a quarter when they were up by a point or two, or (sometimes) confusing the other team by changing things up. And perhaps sometimes this is required in life, but I am action-oriented. Purpose and direction conserve energy for what’s important. Aloha, Val! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So well said Bela. Thank you for sharing the basketball in motion metaphor 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Aha! I have been doing the action but without intention – thanks for this wisdom!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Julie 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Great quote! Important distinction.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Carrie. I hope this late spring finds you thriving 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  16. A great reminder and lots of wisdom, Val!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Helen! I’ve been a lot in motion this week … and will take some time to slow down and catch up soon 😎

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Beautiful quote and reminder Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Shobhna for joining me in this reminder 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Wow – such a difference between these two words: action or motion. So wise. So many people seem to be more concerned with their motion, not thinking about their actions, I’m afraid. I believe that by sitting and not doing for a while, we can then understand the difference.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for sharing your perspective Pam. 💛

      Like

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