A Balance We All Must Master
This is one of the most important balances to master.
It’s a dynamic balance.
A dance.
The dance of structure and flow.
Structure, Flow & Creation
Structure and flow blend together as forces of creation.
Structure is the masculine/yang component and flow is the feminine/yin component.
A river flows within the structure of the banks.
A game flows within the structure of the rules.
The flow of painting happens within the structure of the canvas and paint colors.
These are all dynamic dances of creation.
And just so you know, flow isn’t always just contained within structure. Oftentimes, we flow between structures, to then create within those structures.
No need to get hung up on which one is “higher level” or better. Neither are. Just know that structure and flow work together as the ultimate creative team.
Flow State
A prime example of how structure and flow work together is through flow state.
Flow state is the psychological term for “being in the zone.”
It’s when you’re fully immersed in something, with an energized focus. You become one with the activity.
Flow state is induced by playing with structure and flow.
For example, flow state in chess happens within the structure of a chess match.
Sports are another big inducer of flow state. Why? Because you play (flow) within the structure of the rules of the sport.
The time constraints of a basketball game, combined with the rules, results in players getting into deep flow states during games.
Another one of the biggest inducers of flow state is writing. And the ultimate form of writing is writing a book.
The Highest Expression Structure & Flow?
Writing a book might be the highest expression of structure and flow that we know of. At least in terms of human creations.
It’s such a masterful representation of both qualities.
The best books start with an idea. Well, more like a deep, soul-level calling that needs to be expressed.
This calling is flow.
From there, you write down the idea and outline it, which gives it structure.
Then you write one section at a time, flowing within the topic you’ve chosen.
Each writing session is most potent when you get into flow state. When you become so immersed in the act of writing that you become the process of writing.
Yet this all gets channeled through the structure of language.
Writing a book is a dance of structure and flow on so many levels. The scope of the book. The act of writing itself. Getting into flow state. Language and creativity.
And what’s the result? A condensed packet of wisdom. A structure that people can read and flow with. Something that can create healthier structure and flow for others.
Writing a book is an amazing expression of the dance of structure and flow.
How You Can Apply This
Here’s the bad news:
There’s no “5 step formula” to find a good balance of structure and flow. It’s something you find on your own, in your own unique way.
Now here’s the good news:
It’s easy to apply the dance of structure and flow to anything.
Want to spice up your marriage?
Play with structure and flow. Create some rituals you both enjoy (structure). Also, do more spontaneous things together (flow). You can create games that blend structure and flow to have a good time together and connect.
Want to upgrade your productivity?
Again, play with structure and flow. Commit to some daily routines that help you get important work done. But also leave some free time to be creative.
Get into flow state by combining structure and flow, like setting a timer for 30 minutes and focusing on one task.
Think about the core areas of your life and your goals. Then, see how you can play with both structure and flow to enhance it.
Get creative. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
By experimenting, you’ll find a dynamic balance that works well for you.
The dance of structure and flow is a beautiful thing.
Play with this dynamic balance yourself.
Much Love,
Stephen Parato
2 Things For You
1) Want to write a book?
If you’re a spiritually-inclined leader who wants to write a book, I can help.
Check out my explainer page here: Write Your Book
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