The path not traveled

How on earth did we get off the path?  Were we ever on it? 

When my addictions are gone life is harmonious.  By addictions I mean wanting to go places when I am home; doing things when I am not doing anything; wanting people around when I am alone.  An addiction is wanting something other than what is showing up.  Being in the past or future, anything that keeps me from being here is an addiction.  This moment alone is real.  Knowing that this moment supports me and provides everything I need.

The Tao Te Ching
 
64.  Rushing into action, you fail.
Trying to grasp things, you lose them.
Forcing a project to completion,
you ruin what was almost ripe.

Therefore the Master takes action
by letting things take their course.
He remains as calm
at the end as at the beginning.
He has nothing,
thus has nothing to lose.
What he desires is non-desire;
what he learns is to unlearn.
He simply reminds people
of who they have always been.
He cares about nothing but the Tao.
Thus he can care for all things.

The Tao Te Ching translated by S. Mitchell