Hello again,
Yesterday I asked the Friday Question, Structure or No? I’m really glad I got some truly in-depth answers, because it really is a subject that demands a bit of thinking. Something basically everyone said was that structure is necessary for humans, if even just a little. We need some way to stay grounded, and although we’re an incredibly adaptable species, there is a limit to how far we can go.
There is structure in much of life. Even the leaves are built in a certain way. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I have to say that I agree. I am a very artistic person, and I still need to set myself up with at least a skeleton of a schedule or a plan so that I am not completely lost. Nature set human beings up with natural structures of their own. An example would be the will to live or instincts like the drive to eat. As mishaburnett put it quite nicely in the comment section, “A baby crying to be fed is not unstructured–it is the infant responding to his or her internal structure.”
So we do need structure, and I believe to varying degrees – I think it all depends on on who we are and our past experiences/views on life. If I was kept on a three foot leash until age 16, I’m sure I would do anything for a bit of freedom. If I was more exposed to what it was like to be on my own, maybe I would be able to handle life with a more level head, with a more comfortable level of structure.
I should clarify what I said from yesterday. I do not believe all doctors and lawyers live orderly lives, nor do I believe all comedians and artists live disorganized lives. I recognize a career can be separated from personal life (sometimes), but as a whole, certain jobs do require more focus from the left-brain, more analytical thinking, more numbers and more studying, while others do not call for such things.
Ugh, it turns my stomach just thinking about working there. (Photo credit: yuan2003)
Here’s the thing, though: some say to balance work (being a lawyer for example) with art (being a comedian, say by night). My response to that is a bit more on the risky side. I do not believe that just doing a job and then focusing your art as a hobby always works for everyone. Perhaps it does for some, but certainly not all. Firstly, a great many people cannot handle certain atmospheres, no matter the pay. I know for sure that I will never be able to work in an office or at a desk unless they’re my writing office/desk. I simply do not have the capacity to do monotonous work. I know that I am just a kid, but I also know with all my being that I have passions that I want to explore, and so a cubicle is not an option for me.
That’s why I say that finding the perfect balance for yourself is to go for what you love, and then implement structure. Maybe you do need to work odd jobs for a while. Maybe you have to start off small, give yourself scheduled non-
Art brings me closer to God (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
structure. But I believe that lack of structure in some form is vital for human growth. If we stuck to the same system forever. We wouldn’t even be cavemen. Innovation is only possible when you break the rules sometimes.
The biggest thing is to let that artist within you to grow. It will feed you as a person, and bring you closer to God, to your own pure soul. I know that passionate artists are exploring, they’re discovering. They’re learning things about themselves and others. About God and about the universe. I think we need to structure our lives in a way that we can explore these extraordinary gifts that we have.
–mrprose
Related articles
- Friday Question: Structure or Not? (deepthinkings.wordpress.com)
Deep Thinkings 
Quite agree; we do require some freedom and space within which we can grow.
I don’t like monotonous jobs either but, they’re all I’ve known for the first ten-years of my employment. I then get frustrated because I know that I should be doing; I know this stuff is ‘below me’. Yet, I don’t quite have the confidence or belief to challenge myself.
Oh, and yes, I did live quite a structured, ‘safe’ and controlled childhood! 🙂
So are you planning on change? Or have you come to terms with your work now?
I’m definitely planning on change. I’ve realised, through counselling, how my job counteracts the attempts I’m making to build my self-esteem. I’ve always lacked direction as well as confidence, which hasn’t helped but, I do need to try and push myself because I am starting to believe than I can achieve more. I already feel as though I deserve it.
You do deserve it, completely. Don’t give up. In fact, I say you should really give yourself a nice push in that direction. There’s no time like now, and you seem to be discovering something more, am I right?
You are right, thank you. I know it’s within me but, I still find it quite hard to believe at times. Working in this current place five-days a week doesn’t seem to help that but, I’ll keep trying. 🙂
Yeah, for sure. All I can say is that if you get complacent, the chance will pass.
Wanna play tag?
http://carlarenee45.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/how-about-a-game-of-tag/
All very true statements. Often, lack of structure will halt the artistic process, such as writing. If I don’t write regularly, be if for my blog, or school, or simply for creative purposes, I will get nowhere. The past few years of my life have proven that much, and the last month has proven it again. In other words, I have gotten nowhere in my writing as long as it remained a hobby. It is when I decided that it was my career that I found the will to write on a regular basis, and continually improve.
That’s all I have to say for that, but I was also wondering something along the lines of format. (I’m fairly new at blogging) But how can I format my posts so that I can put pictures on the same line as text?
Thank you, firstly, and do you know how to use zemanta?
Hmmm… Zemanta? No, sorry. What is it?
When you are writing a post, after you have written a decent amount, zemanta will find similar images with photo credit. It is located at the bottom right of the page, you have to scroll down. At least, it is for me. Also, under the pictures section, there is a related articles section, where you can select the ones you think are related to you subject.
I don’t think I have that. Maybe do you have an upgraded account?
Hah! Nevermind, I think I’ve got it figured out. Thank you!
Awesome!
Like the previous commenter, I find that structure helps my creative side, rather than hinders it. I have very full days, so I need to make sure that I have scheduled time to play with my creative side, otherwise it withers away.
Conversely, we can’t be creative all the time or the well runs dry. Spending time on mundane tasks helps to rest the mind so you can come back to the page fresh and ready to create again.
I never thought of it that way, but I think you’re right. You have to be quite aware of what your body and mind are telling you and respond.
Unfortunately, in the world we live in, surviving as a full time artist simply isn’t an option for most people. Bills have to paid. My advice to people wanting to pursue a career in a creative endeavor is to get a marketable skill that will put food on the table. I have been writing and self-publishing for thirty years. I still can’t live on what I make writing, I may never be able to.
Consequently I work in building maintenance to survive, it is physically but not mentally or emotionally demanding, and I write on evenings and weekends.
You know, I think that works best. Like I said, sometimes you simply have to have support, because art won’t support you.
Thanks for stopping by and following my blog. Just getting started in it so it was encouraging to get someone to appreciate my efforts. I enjoy your style and application of common sense courage to buck the mundane patterns of socially programmed fear of living
Thank you, and you’re welcome. 🙂
I loved the last paragraph!!
I draw and paint, play the piano(not professionly) and I want to study astronomy and discover the big wide world!
Those words you wrote gave me courage, that I’m thinking/choosing right.
It made me feel as if I’m working for a case or something.
Thanks!!
If you’re doing it for yourself, to follow your passions, to self-discovery, to see the world, then I believe it is for the best case of all. Good luck and thank you for reading, I hope you stick around. 🙂