Creativity and Structure - a Polarity Exploration

Yin and Yang. Masculine and Feminine.

Polarity is - well, a polarising subject, these days.

A lot of harm has been done in recent history, by weighing poles up against each other. By trying to find the “better” pole, or end of the spectrum. By domination of one by the other.

Many have said a lot on this topic.

In this post, I invite you to explore the spectrum of Creativity and Structure.

Let’s start by defining them for the purpose of this article:

Creativity invites in freshness. Creativity may be playful, or curious. It thrives on love, spontaneity, and open-mindedness. On the other hand, it can be silly, unapplicable, distracting, and forever challenging.

Structure is reliable and predictable. Structure gets things done. However, it may lack inspiration and aliveness.

Do you notice a personal preference arising within you?

The problem we tend to run into when talking polarity is favoritism of one end of the spectrum. Every magnet has a north and a south pole. One cannot exist without the other.

Nature combines Creativity and Structure to perfection. Can you smell this rose? Does the vibrant colour inspire you, evoke emotions? Take note of the intricate, structured arrangement of its petals. Composition is an important aspect in beauty.

Finding Balance

An artist may have direct access to the wellspring of creativity. However, if they can’t get organised and make the necessary arrangements to actualise their dreams, visions and ideas, the artwork will never be birthed. For this, they will need to aquire the materials needed for the creation, have a degree of discipline around working on their piece, maybe spending much time practicing in order to see their vision manifest. Without structure, Creativity is useless.

On the other hand, building, a “structure” erected purely based on functionality will leave us feeling empty, uninspired, unhappy. It is easy to notice this when imagining walking from a modern school- or other government building into the streets of Bali: Soul-deprived walls and posts made of cheap, functional materials suddenly exchanged for ornate pillars, timber carvings, and colourful frescos.

Satisfaction and wellness are found in the balanced marriage of both, Creativity and Structure.

Where are you at, on the spectrum of Creativity and Structure?

To feel grounded, yet free, this is an important question!

I invite you to shine a light on your relationship with Creativity and Structure.

Are you walking your talk? Manifesting your dreams? Implementing your ideas, and making progress towards your life goals?

Or are you caught in the daily grind, felling bored and disconnected from the joy you once had?

If you’d like support navigating this spectrum of polarity, get in touch.