We all get stuck in our ruts. We wake up each day at a standard time, perform repeated tasks, eat meals we’ve had before, then go to bed. When you travel, these are no longer an option. For a time, this is good. It forces new thinking. However, as a lifestyle, it can become challenging. Today, I need to exert significant effort again on how to live. My tasks today are all brand new. I have no reference to the past. For example, I need to eat. My “ruts” at home include checking the refrigerator or getting takeout. Simple. There’s no thinking involved other than considering what I’d like to consume. When traveling, “what” I consume is the absolute last concern. “That” I consume takes priority. Today is Shabbat. Everything is shut down. There is limited public transportation, markets, and restaurants. For those with refrigerators, they purchase the food they need to get through the day. However, I have no refrigerator. How do I eat? After that task is accomplished, there are more waiting in line. I have no car. How do I get a ride back to the kibbutz? How do I wash my clothes? How do I find an Internet connection?
Most motivational speakers encourage us to break our old routines. However, this is a friendly reminder that life is a balance. Our “ruts” offer dependable, tested solutions that don’t require thinking. Of course, we should re-evaluate now and then. However, we also need to appreciate that they are the equilibrium that we all rest upon.
In archaeological terms, one of the most famous ruts in the world is at Pompeii. While most ancient people had to navigate rough roads, accepting the ruts offered the promise of smooth travel.