The point of a journey

Is not to arrive

Anything can happen

Prime Mover 1987

One of my favorite all-time bands is Rush. Their music not only rocks, but their lyrics always seem convey some profound meaning to me. Most lyric-writing duties fell to band member Neil Peart, one of the greatest drummers of all time (may he rest in peace). He not only wrote their songs, but authored a number of books, one of which – Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road – I read. The book journals Neil’s fourteen months on a motorcycle, riding 55,000 miles from Quebec to Alaska and from there, down to Mexico and finally back to Quebec…to deal with the loss of his daughter and wife.

He starts Chapter 3 of his book with the quote I have at the top of this post. The words are from the song Prime Mover, one of Rush’s lesser known songs. For me a very powerful song and in this season of ‘the Unknown‘ the words are taking on a new, somewhat confusing, meaning.

The song used to motivate me be focused on whatever my goal was and realize that obstacles will come, but if I stay focused I can control and ultimately, achieve my goal. (From the point of entry/ Until the candle is burned/ The point of departure/ Is not to return/ Anything can happen) But, in this current season…I’m struggling to find anything to focus on. No goals. I don’t see myself as a mover and shaker I once was.

So maybe this is just about the fact that the world is in motion and there really is not much I can do but hang on. (I set the wheels in motion/ Turn up all the machines/ Activate the programs/ And run behind the scene) I picture a hamster running round and round on his little wheel. Gotta be honest here…does not sound very enticing to me!

I don’t know what to think…not an easy place to be…at least for someone like me who is driven. For now I will embrace the fact that I am on this journey…traveling this road…and anything can happen!

The point of the journey
Is not to arrive
Anything can happen

What do you think? Do see this road you are traveling as a fatalistic one? Or one that you control? Or are you somewhere in between?