What is real action? How does real action impact love and work?
In today’s world, where everyone is rushing to get things done, it’s easy to mistake busyness for real action. But have you ever paused to ask yourself, “Am I truly moving forward, or am I just stuck in the same spot?” This is where the idea of real action comes into focus—a concept that can change how we approach love and work.
A man must learn to act consciously, with intention. Most people live in a state of automatic action, without awareness. True action requires being present and aware of the reality of the moment.
Gurdjieff
What Is Real Action?
Real action isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about moving through life with a sense of purpose and authenticity. Real action comes from the core of who you are, where your actions align with what truly matters to you. It’s like when you’re deeply engaged in a moment, fully present, and what you’re doing feels right.
Think about the difference between a leaf caught in the wind and a river flowing toward the sea. The leaf is in constant motion but is directionless, carried wherever the wind blows. The river, on the other hand, flows with intention, each ripple contributing to its journey. Real action is like the river—purposeful, grounded, and in harmony with your true self.
Real action arises naturally and spontaneously from the true nature of being. It is not something we force or contrive, but something that flows effortlessly when we are aligned with our essence.
A. H. Almaas
The Impact of Real Action on Love and Work
When it comes to love and work, real action is the key to deeper connections and more meaningful engagement. Relationships are not just about doing things for the sake of it; they are about showing up as your authentic self, with all your vulnerabilities and strengths. It’s about letting your heart guide your actions rather than just going through the motions out of habit or fear.
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. This action is not about exerting effort, but about aligning with the divine flow within you.
Rumi
At work, real action transforms tasks into meaningful contributions. It’s about engaging with your work in a way that reflects your true purpose. When you act from a place of alignment, your work becomes more than just a series of tasks—it becomes a way of expressing who you are, bringing more satisfaction and fulfillment into your life.
In Traction: The Illusion of Progress
Now, let’s talk about being “in traction.” This is the state where you’re busy but not truly productive, like a car stuck in the mud with its wheels spinning. You’re in motion, but you’re not getting anywhere. “In traction” happens when we let “dynamic inertia” take over—a state where movement occurs, but it’s more about maintaining momentum than making real progress.
Dynamic inertia is a subtle force. It occurs when you’re constantly moving, doing, and reacting, but underneath it all, there’s no real change or growth. You’re caught in the momentum of your habits, driven by external pressures or internal fears rather than your true desires. This state of dynamic inertia can keep us stuck in patterns that feel like action but are just a way to avoid deeper engagement with life.
When you are able to transcend yourself, you will achieve true action. You will be like the wind that moves wherever it is called, fulfilling its purpose without resistance.”
Meister Eckhart
The Anatomy of Real Action
To break free from dynamic inertia and “in traction,” we need to connect with what the Diamond Approach calls the “organ of action.” This isn’t a physical part of the body but rather an inner capacity that guides us toward actions aligned with our true nature. When you’re in touch with this inner guide, your actions flow naturally from a place of truth and purpose.
Imagine stepping out of a spinning wheel and onto solid ground. Suddenly, you’re no longer caught in the endless motion cycle without progress. Instead, you’re moving with intention, each step aligned with your true self. This is what real action feels like—clear, purposeful, and deeply connected to who you are.
Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?
Lao Tzu
Breaking Free from Dynamic Inertia
Escaping dynamic inertia isn’t easy, but it’s entirely possible. It starts with recognizing when you’re stuck in this state and asking yourself some tough questions: Am I moving because I’m driven by fear or habit? Or am I acting from a genuine connection to my true self?
Once you start seeing the patterns that keep you stuck, you can make different choices. This might involve stepping out of your comfort zone, facing fears, or letting go of habits that no longer serve you. But the reward is worth it—a life where your actions are not just motions but meaningful expressions of your deepest self.
In the silence of the heart, all action becomes possible. True action is born from this inner stillness and is untainted by the ego.
Ramana Mahaarshi
The Dance of Real Action
Real action is not just about doing—it’s a way of being. It’s about fully showing up in your work, relationships, and life. When you live in this place, life becomes less about keeping up the momentum and more about moving in harmony with your true self.
When action arises from our true nature, it is inherently purposeful and aligned with the reality of the moment. It is action that is not only effective but also deeply meaningful, fulfilling the needs of both the situation and our inner being.”
A. H. Almaas
Ultimately, the choice is yours: Stay in the comfort of dynamic inertia or step into the river of real action, where each move brings you closer to a life filled with connection, fulfillment, and purpose. The journey might be challenging, but the rewards—a life that feels genuinely lived—are worth every step.