I once craved the exhilarating highs I got from escaping into my creative projects. One time, I was completely absorbed in an architectural design project for thirty-two hours. When I finally rose from the chair, my legs buckled. I had to hold onto the desk until I regained the strength to walk. I was addicted to creating. I believed the purpose of my life was to sustain these highs. When projects were completed, I felt empty and real downers followed. Swings between highs and lows tormented me. Eventually I burned out. I slid into a deep dark void. Drained and depressed, I had little energy for basic functioning, much less for friends, family or the fix of creativity I craved. During one trip to the void, my inner voice informed me that I feared taking the middle road of moderation. I judged it, thinking it meant I had to accept a pulseless life, flatlined on mediocrity. 

A sudden flash of insight urged me back to nature, to seek her counsel and wisdom. I recalled that she carries the natural rhythmic cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth. So I hiked to my favorite spot for contemplation, a small clearing in the forest along the banks of a stream. Desperate for creative rebirth, I begged Mother Nature to refresh my memory of her ways. Sitting by that flowing stream, I felt her natural Order dissolving my judgments. I became more receptive. The stream revealed to me the creative power of its fluidity. I realized I had been out of sync with nature’s principles. That left me vulnerable to ego’s assertion that the high I sought required external gratification such as approval from others for my creative works.

I returned to nature regularly for more insights. Eventually, I remembered that, like nature, I have an inner core, an unshakable foundation of light within me. One time while enraptured by the cloudless blue sky against the evergreen mountains and terra-cotta cliffs of New Mexico, I experienced the profound presence of my own core. In that moment I became the meeting place of heaven and earth. My body tingled. My mind expanded and my heart opened. Tears of joy! Rebirth! Balance.

Now, balance fills my cells with self-acceptance and love. It’s as if the forces of heaven and earth have reached equilibrium. The powers inherent in each have united. I’m enthusiastic about projects I undertake and complete them to my personal standards of excellence. I even look forward to downtimes after my immersions into creativity. When I’m in balance, my life is fluid and easy. Balance releases me from my need for approval from others. My body feels more flexible, my emotions more stable and my mind is more open to intuitive insights. My blood pressure normalizes. And I even have plenty of energy to explore quality experiences with others.        

May we meet on a hike by a stream one day, touch the core of our being and in balance share grateful hearts!

albertcmoore@gmail.com

To some people, discipline is a dirty word because it smacks of rigidly following rules. To me discipline is essential to living creatively. Discipline provides a cocoon-like structure in which I feel safe and confident living in the world. Therefore, I’m free to express myself, explore new ideas and new relationships. Discipline helps me integrate body, mind and spirit so I stay both grounded and open to inner guidance and inspiration from the Blue Space.

Monday through Friday my physical discipline begins with yoga to keep my body flexible and my heart open and concludes with a 30-minute vigorous walk. Every day includes a healthy breakfast. Three evenings per week, I work out at the gym. With these routines I stay alert and present in my body, home of my enduring spirit. I acknowledge the higher power within me and meditate daily. I practice positive inner dialogue which translates into positive outer language so I communicate with other people from my spirit. These disciplines help me work effectively and efficiently in the world. They also leave me plenty of time for leisure and play. Expressing gratitude for my life is my last daily discipline. I find it relaxes me so I sleep well.

When I’m asked how my dedication to discipline began, I tell inquirers that as a youngster I made many model planes, boats and cars. During my model-making, an inner voice reminded me of the importance of completing these projects. Following this voice, I cultivated self-discipline to ensure their completion. I’ve been rewarded with self-satisfaction for jobs well done and the self-confidence to embrace change and explore new things. As a result, I’m actively participating in creating my life.

To prevent boredom or regimentation, I vary the sequence, rhythm and intensity of my practices from day to day. I practice being alert to my thoughts and feelings. This adds a playful factor, especially when my mind says: you can slack off today. One day per week I allow myself an indulgence day to eat whatever I fancy. Hum, sweets, pizza, maybe! Weekends I break from my physical routines. These flexibilities help me expand and refine my skills as an architect, artist, writer and speaker. My relationships also improve because I’m flexible and cooperative and I’m learning to listen well.

Mental discipline is portable. I can take it with me anywhere. No luggage, it only requires space in my consciousness. And it’s always available, no internet connection or electricity required. Plane and train travel are great places to practice mental discipline.

From discipline I gain dominion (self-authority) over the ego’s assertion that I’m separate from others, from the Earth and from Creator. Frequently expressing gratitude for my life connects me with the Core of my being, dwelling place of my higher self, with its always kind and supportive voice. It helps me harness the positive forces needed for creative life-making. Through my practice of these disciplines, I‘m learning to cooperate with these forces.

albertcmoore@gmail.com