Harmonizing Creativity and Discipline: Exploring the Art of Balanced Living
In Conversation with Elijah A. Bland No. 11
In today’s enriching conversation, we delved into the world of a poet and creative thinker who has found a unique harmony between life’s demands and the pursuit of artistic expression. Through the exploration of his poem "Eternal Life," we uncovered themes of joy, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity, particularly in times of global uncertainty.
Our discussion revealed a deep commitment to personal growth, evident in the disciplined morning routine of writing, learning, and self-care. We also touched upon the importance of documentation as a tool for mental clarity and creative flow, and how technology acts as a ‘second brain’ in this process.
Looking ahead, there are ambitious goals: publishing books derived from insightful newsletter writings and achieving conversational fluency in multiple languages. This journey is a testament to the power of structured discipline combined with the flexibility to embrace life’s myriad possibilities. A narrative that’s as inspiring as it is instructive, it serves as a beacon for those navigating the balance between creativity and the complexities of daily life.
Alison: Thank you for sharing "Eternal Life" with me. This poem beautifully encapsulates themes of joy, love, resilience, and the enduring nature of creativity.
"Begin with the happiness, the abundance," sets a positive, hopeful tone right from the start. What inspired you to open with this focus on happiness and abundance, and how do they play a foundational role in the message of your poem?
Elijah: For those new here (welcome!), "Eternal Life" is one of the 100 Found Poems I crafted during the 2020 lockdowns. This collection forms the backbone of the first year's theme for my newsletter, aptly titled "The Year I Became, A Poet." Initially, my writing was a lifeline, a way to preserve my mental well-being and fend off the stir-crazy feelings that came with being cooped up indoors. But as I delved deeper into the art of writing found poetry, I discovered a profound sense of joy and freedom in expression. It was like unearthing hidden messages between the lines of my subconscious and conscious mind.
"Eternal Life," in particular, marked a refreshing shift from the earlier themes of solitude and introspection that dominated my writings. It was an invitation to look beyond myself, to appreciate and acknowledge the abundance that life offers every day. This could be the very essence of life itself, or the joys found in family, friends, hobbies, and so on. It's a reminder to cherish and recognize the multitude of gifts that life, in its simplest form, bestows upon us.
Alison: Your journey through the creation of "Eternal Life" during a challenging period is a testament to the power of poetry to transform and uplift. It's remarkable how the process evolved from a coping mechanism to a source of joy and self-discovery.
The poem then transitions to love, suggesting it multiplies and forms the "bedrock of your experiences." Could you share more about how the concept of love in this poem reflects your personal experiences or beliefs, especially in relation to the challenges you faced during lockdown?
Elijah: It's all too easy to lose hope when adversity hits, to get caught up in focusing on what we lack. But it's in those moments, when we pause and recognize the abundance within us and around us, that we can tap into the essence of peace, joy, and prosperity.
In the context of my life, the poem "Eternal Life" emerged during a time when I was grappling with the global impact of COVID-19, aware that I was still here while so many others weren't. For a decade, I'd been in non-stop work mode, but suddenly, I found myself with the opportunity to slow down. It was a chance to stop, breathe, and spend quality time with my family, something that had been a rarity.
This period offered a new lease on my creative life and a valuable opportunity for reflection. I could pause, focus, and map out what I wanted to create in the next decade. It was a time for appreciating and loving what I already had, rather than yearning for things I hadn't yet acquired. This shift in perspective was not just comforting, but also incredibly empowering.
Alison: Your perspective on finding abundance in what's already present, especially during a time of global crisis, is both grounding and enlightening. The realization that love and appreciation for what we have can be a source of strength and renewal is a powerful theme in your poem.
As you mention this newfound appreciation and the opportunity to slow down and reconnect, how do you think this experience has influenced your creative process? Do you see a lasting change in how you approach your art and life post-lockdown?
Elijah: Your question brings to mind a quote that resonates deeply with my journey, especially considering my Christian upbringing and the gradual broadening of my spiritual and theological horizons. In the past 6-7 years, I've found myself repeatedly drawn to the principles of Stoicism and Taoism, integrating their teachings into my life and art. A particular passage from the Tao Te Ching, verse 1, stanzas two and three, encapsulates this influence:
S2 With your mouth unopened, and things left undefined,
you stand at the beginning of the universe.
Make definitions, and you become the measure of all creation.S3 Thus, being forever without desire,
you look deeply into the transcendent.
By constantly harboring desire,
your vision is beset by all the things around you."
In my creative process post-lockdown, I strive not to rigidly "define" my work. It remains diverse, free, and adaptable. My aim isn’t to exceed the essence of what I'm creating. I view myself as a conduit between the ethereal realm and our physical reality, channeling energy through the skills I've honed to bring visions to life. If I hit a wall, it's a sign to expand my skills and capabilities. Essentially, I've embraced a more intuitive approach, letting go of the need to control every outcome. This philosophy extends to all facets of my life, be it love, relationships, or career.
Alison: Your adoption of principles from Stoicism and Taoism, especially the concept of embracing an intuitive process rather than attempting to control every outcome, offers a profound insight into your creative and personal evolution. The excerpt from the Tao Te Ching beautifully encapsulates this philosophy of being a conduit for creativity rather than strictly defining or limiting it.
Your journey illustrates a shift towards a deeper, more spiritually aligned way of living and creating. It seems to allow for a more authentic expression of self and a more harmonious relationship with the world around you.
In embracing this more intuitive, less controlled approach, how have you noticed your work and your interactions with the world changing? Do you find that this approach brings a different kind of fulfillment or success, both in your creative endeavors and in other aspects of your life?
Elijah: Oh, it's significantly more peaceful, that's for sure. Haha. The best way I can describe it is like stepping out of a bustling music hall or a packed club into the quiet of a side alley on a crisp winter night for a smoke. It's this serene, almost still feeling; in that moment, nothing else exists but the present, each breath you take in and let out. Interestingly, I quit smoking a couple of months back, and it’s that moment of tranquility I miss the most.
Taking regular breaks from the news, stepping back from social media now and then, and reducing my exposure to mass media has opened up a whole new realm for me. It's like clearing a space where I can explore and create with more focus and clarity. This approach has also helped me filter out the unnecessary noise, allowing me to concentrate more on what truly matters – like being a better parent or a more impactful, productive leader. It's about finding and cherishing those pockets of stillness in our often chaotic lives.
Alison: The tranquility and clarity you describe in embracing a quieter, more centered approach to life and creativity are powerful. Your journey reflects a meaningful shift towards intentional living and creating, highlighting the importance of quietude and focus in a world that often prizes constant connectivity and busyness.
It's a reminder that sometimes, stepping away from the noise is not only beneficial but necessary for personal growth and fulfillment.
Given this newfound sense of stillness and clarity, how do you plan to maintain this balance as you move forward, particularly in a world that is often fast-paced and demanding? Do you have specific practices or boundaries in place to preserve this quieter approach to life and creativity?
Elijah: Maintaining this newfound stillness and clarity is definitely challenging, but running my newsletter has introduced a kind of semi-structured balance that's been surprisingly effective. For instance, my days start early at 6am. This time is dedicated to writing and editing for about an hour and a half to two hours. Then, I squeeze in learning a new language (currently Italian), reading, and exercising on alternate days – all this before I even begin my regular day job.
I make it a point to call my daughter every afternoon and evening. Plus, I ensure to set aside time each week for a movie or a museum visit – these are non-negotiables for me. As for news, I limit it to no more than 2 hours per week, often in conversations with others. This routine has noticeably boosted my creativity, both in terms of what I absorb and what I produce. More than that, it's brought a level of gratitude and peace into my life like I’ve never experienced before.
Alison: It sounds like you've found a harmonious blend of personal development, creative expression, and quality time with loved ones. This balance is something many strive for but can find challenging to achieve.
In balancing these various activities, have you found any particular practice to be most influential in maintaining your creative flow or mental clarity?
Elijah: I’d say the practice that's been pivotal in keeping my creative juices flowing and my mind clear has to be documentation. I rely on a variety of tools and technologies as a sort of "second brain," helping to free up my biological "RAM" or "disk space" for fresh ideas.
For example:
I frequently use the voice memo feature on my phone.
It's perfect for quickly capturing a musical idea or a fleeting thought that I don't have time to write down.
Then there's the classic combo of pen and paper.
I'm a fan of the bullet journal method for swiftly noting down observations and insights about the world around me.
And let's not forget the role of GenAI in my creative process.
It's been invaluable in translating the artistic visions from my mind or dreams into tangible concepts.
This blend of traditional and tech-savvy methods has been instrumental in maintaining a steady stream of creativity and mental clarity.
Alison: Your practice of documentation as a method to free up mental space and capture creative inspiration is an effective and modern approach. Leveraging technology as a 'second brain' allows you to store and organize thoughts, ideas, and observations efficiently. It's a strategy that aligns well with the need for mental clarity in today's information-rich environment.
As you continue to navigate this path, what are your aspirations for the future, both in your creative endeavors and in your personal life? How do you see this structured approach evolving over time?
Elijah: Okay, last question because I’ve got to workout. Ha, ha. Staying open to a wide range of possibilities is key for me, but I do have some major goals that I've already started working towards. One significant aim is to publish two books within the next year and a half, drawing from the content of my newsletter. That's a big one on my list.
Additionally, I'm setting my sights on achieving conversational fluency in three languages over the next two years. Each language has a specific purpose in my life: Italian is for leisure, Spanish for connecting with family, and Korean for business. These are just a few of the objectives I'm aiming for, each adding a unique dimension to my personal and professional growth.
Alison: Your aspiration to publish books based on your newsletter writings is an exciting endeavor. It will not only mark a significant milestone in your creative journey but also provide a tangible testament to your dedication and hard work. Additionally, the goal of achieving conversational fluency in three languages reflects a commitment to personal growth and broadening your cultural and communicative horizons.
But it's in those moments, when we pause and recognize the abundance within us and around us, that we can tap into the essence of peace, joy, and prosperity. - E. A. Bland
Alison: As you continue on your journey, your structured approach, combined with your openness to new opportunities, sets a strong foundation for achieving these goals. Your practices and ambitions serve as inspiration for anyone looking to balance creativity, personal development, and the demands of everyday life. Here's to your future successes in writing, language learning, and beyond.
Thank you for sharing your journey and insights. It's been a pleasure discussing your creative process and future aspirations. Enjoy your exercise session and best of luck with all your endeavors!