Novel behavior as a means to move the assemblage point

Castaneda talks about how novel behavior - or changes in your behavior - can make small, but noticeable movements of the assemblage point, so I’ve spent the past couple of weeks thinking about what he means.

I looked at my doings and couldn’t think of anything I would try for more than an hour, like pretending to have a limp while walking, or pouring water using only one hand, brushing teeth with the non-favored hand, etc. I can’t see these as having a lasting impact on my overall energy, even with a cumulative effect. I would just feel OCD.

Don Juan asks Castaneda to make some changes to address his self-importance. I think these were catered to fit Castaneda’s specific personality and may not necessarily work for everyone, like paring down one’s belongings. The first time I tried this, however, it produced incredible results. But, if I pare down anymore, I’ll be destitute, so that’s not going to work for me.

Largely, I had forgotten the problem and then I took a vacation.

I had some ideas that work for me:

1. Document my thoughts of and reactions to life.

2. When writing and when speaking, expand on my thoughts and articulate them as best I can.
   I am a lazy speaker, feeler, and writer which have led to me being a lazy thinker.

3. Write down (also recapitulate) missed opportunities to act.
   This is for when I can “feel” a mood during conversation/interaction, and respond to it in the moment. I think this will aid in fluidity.

4. Document my internal dialogue regarding financial matters.
   Notoriously bad with money. I overthink things and still make bad choices.

Now… the cumulative effect of these changes, as I can see, will make a difference in my life almost immediately. I know a lot of these activities involve writing, but that is what I do for work and it works for me. I have a lot of lazy habits at this point in my life and it isn’t getting me anywhere, fast.

Maybe you can see how this is different than choosing fish over meat (dieting) as opposed to, say, becoming a vegetarian (a personal statement, or a ‘basic reaction toward life’).