We started a new scroll yesterday, and that’s always an exciting time. While the focus turns out to be “acting now,” this scroll begins on a stunningly dire note. “My dreams are worthless, my plans are dust, my goals are impossible.” What? This whole book has been overwhelmingly positive until now, and we get this huge dose of negative right off the bat? What’s happening? Quite simple, really. “All are of no value unless they are followed by action.”
Oh. Right. Knowledge does not apply itself. Neither do plans, dreams or goals. “I act now.” I’m giving away so many good thoughts with this post, but the next lines are pure gold. “Never has there been a map, however carefully executed to detail and scare, which carried its owner over even one inch of ground. Never has there been a parchment of law, however fair, which prevented one crime.” Plans, dreams, and goals, whether for good or evil, take action to execute.
We need to take charge and begin executing the plan, even if it isn’t perfect. We’ve been saying “Do it now” twenty-five times twice a day since nearly the beginning of the course, and that’s what this scroll is all about. It clearly lays out why action is required. It clearly lays out that action eliminates fear. We’re reminded to be like the firefly whose light only shines while it is in motion. I saw a firefly last night while petting my friendly feral cat.
Our actions may not be completely correct at first, but we learn. We learn by doing.Tomorrow never comes. Do it now.