Structure and spontaneity are both very good for us
Table of Contents
- Creation is structured.
- But what about spontaneity?
- Our spiritual lives need structure and spontaneity, too.
- Structure and spontaneity should co-exist
- God is the creator of both.
Structure and spontaneity are both necessary if we are to live happy and fulfilled lives. They both play a part in helping us live balanced lives.I like Mondays because they are structured. I know Monday mornings are not at all welcome to a lot of people. But I like them. It means things are a bit more structured and I do better with structure. I mean I like the serendipitous part of the weekends, but I also function better with routine.
In fact, most people do.
Creation is structured.
I think creation proves it. God created the world in a very structured, planned out manner. I think structure is evident within all of nature even now.
I’ve never run into anyone who doesn’t function better with structure and routine.
I don’t mean living a life so routine that there is no room for spontaneity. That would make life very boring, wouldn’t it? But the kind of routine that helps us accomplish our goals and routines.
A delicate balance between structure and spontaneity
Life is a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. I don’t always get the spontaneity part right. I like to plan. Routine works for me. It’s routine that provides the framework for our daily lives, allowing us to accomplish our goals and fulfill our responsibilities.
The right amount of structure can actually free our minds and reduce decision fatigue. It enables us to focus on the things that truly matter. In doing so, we can carve out the time and energy needed to pursue our passion. So, while routine may seem constricting at times, it ultimately empowers us to lead more purposeful and fulfilling lives.
Structure fosters creativity and spontaneity
Establishing a solid structure and routine not only provides stability and organization in our daily lives, but it also plays a crucial role in fostering creativity. When we lack a clear plan for accomplishing essential tasks, we might find ourselves constantly starting and stopping, which can hinder our ability to see them through to completion within a reasonable timeframe.
It’s important to add creativity to our daily schedules. If we don’t plan and set aside time for creative activities, we probably won’t ever pursue them. This can make us feel stuck and unsatisfied. Structure helps us use our creative energy effectively.
But what about spontaneity?
Can we be too routine? Too structured? Yes. It’s called rigidity. And that’s definitely not a good thing. Rigid people are usually unhappy because they’ve confused structure with rigidity.
Take this one to the bank: Structure opens the possibility for spontaneity while rigidity does not.
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But it’s also important to leave room for spontaneity because it allows us to embrace the unexpected. We learn to find joy in the little surprises, and maintain a sense of excitement in our lives. Striking a balance between structure and spontaneity is essential for a fulfilling and well-rounded life.
Spontaneity lets us be the child we might not have been.
Spontaneity encourages creativity.
Maintaining a sense of spontaneity in our lives is crucial for fostering creativity, adaptability, and a positive outlook. By allowing space for the unexpected, we open ourselves to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities.
When I work on an art project, I usually never know where I’m headed exactly. I have a rough plan but then I allow spontaneity to take over. Inevitably, when I do, I like what I end up with. When I plan in advance, not so much. The fact that the rest of my life is quite structured, it’s like I’m being let loose on the playground when I play with my art. It’s as though structure in other parts of my life makes way for spontaneity in others.
The right kind of structure opens the flood gates for creativity.
Embracing spontaneity also enables us to break free from routine and monotony, injecting freshness and vitality into our daily existence. It offers us the chance to discover the beauty of unpredictability, appreciating the magic that unfolds when we release control and embrace the unknown.
Structure and spontaneity allows us to embrace life
Incorporating spontaneity into our lives infuses each day with a sense of adventure and anticipation, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences. It inspires us to embrace surprises, whether big or small, as valuable gifts that enrich our journey. From impromptu road trips to spontaneous outings with friends, these moments of spontaneity add richness to our lives and form indelible memories.
Remedy for stress
Additionally, welcoming spontaneity acts as a powerful remedy for stress and rigidity. By releasing rigid plans and expectations, we liberate ourselves from unnecessary pressures and make space for serendipity to work its magic. This a approach fosters a feeling of lightness and flexibility. It empowers us to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and an open heart.
Our spiritual lives need a dose of spontaneity, too.
I think our spiritual lives need a strong dose of spontaneity. It gives God an opportunity to reveal himself to use in unusual ways. If we keep our lives too structured we might accidentally keep God in a box. And God certainly doesn’t like being kept in a box. Parting a sea. A burning bush. A talking donkey. All proof of a God who can intercept our routine whenever he wants.
Ultimately, finding the delicate balance between structure and spontaneity empowers us to cultivate a fulfilling and well-rounded life. It enables us to savor the security of routine while sipping from the cup of possibility. We create a tapestry of experiences that is rich, vibrant, and brimming with the beauty and fun of the unexpected.
Too many lives are too heavily balanced one way or the other. If the world veered on its axis that way, our world could not survive. A theme consistent throughout the Bible, especially Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is the balance between work and joy.
And I think our spiritual life is not that much different.
Our spiritual lives need structure and spontaneity, too.
If we don’t plan for our Bible study and prayer time, we probably just won’t do it. I know I function better and more effectively, I make better decisions when I’ve started my day by spending time with God.
To be honest, it doesn’t always work out that way. Some days it’s necessary to leave the house before my scheduled time, but then I make the time in the afternoon. When “life” just gets in the way, I don’t worry about it nor do I obsess over it. And I especially don’t allow satan to use it against me by attacking me with guilt. I grew up with a lot of undeserved guilt. I won’t give Satan any more victory in my life.
Allow the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit
It’s strange but I have to work at the spontaneous part. Like how can one work at being spontaneous? For me, it means I allow some minutes of simply letting my mind be still and filled by the Holy Spirit and embrace unexpected moments of divine inspiration and guidance. (Stilled and filled. I like that. Think I’ll use it in my book on prayer.)
Structure and spontaneity should co-exist
When we think about it from a spiritual perspective, we can see how both structure and spontaneity are integral to our human experience. Our days are often filled with routines and schedules, providing the necessary structure to keep us organized and on track. However, it’s within those unscripted moments of spontaneity that we often find the most joy and fulfillment. It’s through these spontaneous experiences that we can feel truly alive and connected to the world around us
God is the creator of both.
God is the ultimate originator of both structure and spontaneity. Reflecting on our own lives, it’s important to ask ourselves whether we lean too heavily toward one aspect over the other. Are we too rigid and structured, missing out on the potential for joy and creativity that comes with spontaneity? Or perhaps we tend to embrace spontaneity to the point of chaos, neglecting the grounding influence of structure.
I don’t know which is worse. And I find I can be both. There are days I lean more one way than the other. Am I the only one?
Finding the balance
In truth, finding the balance between structure and spontaneity is a continuous journey. It requires self-awareness, introspection, and a willingness to change as needed. Ultimately, by recognizing and honoring the roles of both structure and spontaneity, we can achieve a sense of harmony and wholeness in our lives.
I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t function better by living a structured and yet spontaneous life. And I’m not sure which is easier to incorporate depending on which side you fall. Right now, because I’m still non-weight bearing on my foot, I can’t be very spontaneous. I can tell it affects my mood. I need both. We all do.
Give it a shot by asking yourself which camp you fall into, too spontaneous or too structured. Then try to find ways to incorporate the other.
I hope you have a blessed week.
