Ripples in the Pond

The third of Sir Isaac Newton’s “Laws of Motion” is as follows:

Actioni contrariam semper et æqualem esse reactionem: sive corporum duorum actiones in se mutuo semper esse æquales et in partes contrarias dirigi.

[Translation] To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction: or the forces of two bodies on each other are always equal and are directed in opposite directions.

There are many times, typically in the midst of an argument, when the subject of intent as it applies to actions becomes a primary source of contention between two people.  The basic premise being if the intent behind the action is not in line with someone else’s interpretation of that intent, feelings about the action, or the literal consequences of the action itself, the person responsible isn’t accountable for it. Therefore, if complete negation isn’t attempted, a person will generally give something called a qualified apology,  and it sounds like this: “I’m sorry if what I did made you feel that way.  It wasn’t what I intended.”

It’s the protective cloak of invisible intent.

On the opposite side of the spectrum is the scenario where someone attempts to receive praise or credit for equally invisible intent.  In the first example, one’s allegedly good intentions are meant to magically shield them from blame.  Here, however, the idea revolves around an emotion or declaration that has no substantial basis in real action; only in the mind of the person discussing it is there any truth to the statement.  For example, an individual could say, “I love you and I wish you could see that,” while their consistently abusive actions paint another picture entirely.

We believe those who seek purity and clarity in their lives will ceaselessly protect the conditions necessary to maintain it; they will require a certain consistency in both themselves and others. Oftentimes, they will look to laws within objective studies, such as Newton’s third law of motion, and apply them philosophically.

To apply the third law of motion to life is to acknowledge the metaphor of ripples in the pond.  Symbolic of all actions, throwing a stone into a pond will create a ripple effect.  Depending on the size of the stone, and the force of the throw, the significance of these ripples can vary. However, what does not vary is the reality that you are indeed responsible for the ways in which you affect those around you.  To be pure, or to seek purity, is to make sure your intent is always aligned with your behavior — understanding words ultimately only solidify one’s actions, rather than define them.

While this process is never flawless, it is a deliberate pursuit.

In the end, intent is only ever worthless when it finds itself invisible to all eyes but yours.  When it’s pure and aligned with one’s actions, intent is the force which enables a person to fulfill a purpose.  In magic(k), they call it will.

And a person who understands and implements these things is in a position to manifest real and lasting change, both within themselves, and in the world.

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