ISSUE 024. WHOLESOME DESIGN (3)
‘To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream not only plan but also believe’
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We’re deep into the Wholesome Design series...
‘The pendulum always swings back.’
One Per Cent Better.
Emotional Health is tied to a healthy soul; 90% of visits to a primary health practictioners is Stress Related. Caring for one’s Holistic Health is unlearning and learning new ways to keep the soul healthy. ‘The Pendulum always swings back.’ is on that; third places act as a rest and release, where ideas bloom.
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How an Orange changed Sydney forever | Stephen Dargan
Jørn Utzon the Danish Architect designed and built the Sydney opera house. Design started in 1957 and building started in 1959 and for Utzon it finished in 1966 with a falling out with the newly elected Liberal government.Davis Hughes the minister for works had little time for the creative arts. He questioned the building, the cost and withheld payments for work leading to Jørn Utzon’s resignation the project and departure from Australia.
No one had seen a building like this before it pushed the boundaries of design and peoples understanding of modern architecture. It finally opened in 1973.
It was in 1961 that Utzon overcame a design problem while peeling an orange and had his eureka moment. The 14 shells of the opera house would come formed from a perfect sphere, just like a peeled orange. Jørn changed his design many times before settling on the 14 shells to become the iconic piece of Architecture that was granted UNESCO Heritage status in 2007.
“Sydney Opera House” | It was in 1961 that Utzon overcame a design problem while peeling an orange and had his eureka moment
Jørn Utzon’s name was never mentioned at the opening ceremony in 1973 .It was 1999 before Sydney Opera house and Jørn collaborated once again. Utzon never visited in person the finished Opera house. He died in 2008 at the age of 90. His incredible design is a lasting mirror of his creative vision.
You might not think the work you are doing today will resonate with the rest of the world as Sydney Opera house has, but I imagine neither did Jørn Utzon. Don’t underestimate the impact of your work on others even if you never get to see the results of what you have created. For those moments of creative stagnation remember that “Oranges may not be the only fruit, but sometimes great ideas come from the simplest of begginings.”.
There’s no denying that Resting to peel an Orange is something you do in casual moments not in the Board Room. I believe it was the principle of Rest and Release at work in ‘How an Orange changed Sydney forever’.
Same principle is what’s at play when we hang out with family & friends in conversation, over campfire or music; it’s these places that boost Emotional Health.
Holistic Health.
In the Novel by Ernest Hemingway; The Old Man and the Sea which was set in 1952 is a novel by the American author which was written between December 1950 and February 1951, it tells the story of Santiago, an ageing fisherman who catches a giant marlin after a long struggle but then loses his bounty to sharks.
The Old man and the Sea is a powerful novella that provides valuable insights into what it means to workout an idea until bloom. Santiago's struggle with the giant marlin mirrors our life’s challenges. Long-suffering doesn't break him; it makes him more resilient. He doesn't give up despite the gruelling battle, but it is where we achieve holistic health.
His relationship with Manolin, the young boy, is where he finds solace and support. Their bond is more than just a mentorship; it's a deep emotional connection. Manolin admires Santiago's resilience and wisdom, while Santiago takes pride in mentoring the young boy. This relationship is a source of emotional strength for Santiago, as it provides him with companionship and a sense of purpose.
Santiago finds Community at the Fishing Village; He shares stories and experiences with his fellow fishermen, and they offer him encouragement and camaraderie. Not only that but he the people at the village provide Santiago with a sense of belonging and emotional support, even when he's alone at sea.
Not a Destination but a Voyage.
In the ‘Old Man and the Sea’ Santiago eventually loses the marlin to the sharks which is nothing but a metaphor for life's inevitable ups and downs. He learnt to accept and let go of what He could not control which created a deep connection with himself, the sea and its creatures.
It is the understanding that small, consistent efforts; like steady riding of life’s waves, his mentorship with the Boy and his Community life which contributed to an all round emotional, physical and mental health over time. Just like an essential oil's aroma can transform a room, holistic health can transform your life, one Learning at a time, until you reach your Emotional Well-being.
Commit to living in the present moment; and let me know how that works for you in your present circumstance. Looking forward to your feedback in the comments section.