The Beginning Of All Action Is Thought

Zen Master – “The beginning of all action is thought.”

Yes, thought is the beginning of all action. “No duh”, right?

But, we need the right kind of thought. I am not talking about the thoughts that are flying around in your head all the time. I am talking about those thoughts that arise when you are in a state of calm and quiet. Like those brilliant thoughts that come to you about 3:00 in the morning, only better.

Now, take a few extra minutes to think about what you will do tomorrow that will contribute to making tomorrow a better day for you and possibly for someone else. Perhaps your action for tomorrow is setting a reminder to repeat the breathing exercise from yesterday’s post. By doing only that, you will further develop your ability to get in touch with your body, realize the tension you are carrying around and use breath to calm and relax you. Perhaps in a renewed state of relaxation, your mind being calm, a new idea will come to you. One you thought about many years ago:

- a hobby that you want to start up again
- a place you want to visit alone, or with friends and family

Make a commitment to yourself now to take an action to make that thing happen. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Start small and work your way into bigger things.