When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going, and When It Flows, Flow It
Embracing the concept of Perpetual Creation of Self
Human life is often likened to a journey, capturing its complexities and rhythms.
Einstein famously compared it to riding a bicycle—balance is maintained only by moving forward. Others have likened it to a train ride, with its steady, inevitable progress toward unknown destinations, occasionally pausing at unexpected stops. Sometimes, life resembles a simple walk, where each step may be deliberate or accidental, the path shifting unpredictably underfoot. These metaphors emphasise life’s unpredictability, its need for momentum, and the unknown challenges and joys waiting around each bend.
The concept of “perpetual creation” speaks to the dynamic and ongoing nature of personal development, creativity, and self-discovery. As Henri Bergson observed, “There is no greater joy than that of feeling oneself a creator. The triumph of life is expressed by creation.” This notion underscores that to truly live is to continually craft and refine oneself.
To understand perpetual creation, one must first appreciate the fluid nature of existence. Henri Bergson’s idea that “To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating endlessly” encapsulates this fluidity. Our lives are not static entities but dynamic experiences that evolve through change. Every moment, every decision, every challenge contributes to this ongoing evolution.
Bergson’s philosophy aligns with those of other great minds. Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher, famously declared, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” Just as a river is never the same from one moment to the next, neither are we. Our identities, shaped by experiences and choices, are in a state of continuous flux.
The concept of creation extends beyond artistic endeavours into the very essence of personal growth. Virginia Woolf, an influential writer, articulated this idea when she said:
“The creation of a single world comes from a huge number of fragments and chaos.”
Woolf’s perspective highlights the fragmented yet coherent nature of personal evolution. Just as a writer weaves together disparate ideas into a narrative, individuals continuously integrate experiences, thoughts, and emotions into their evolving selves.
Moreover, the artist’s journey is a powerful metaphor for personal transformation. Pablo Picasso, a titan of modern art, believed:
“Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.”
Picasso’s statement reflects the necessity of dismantling old selves to forge new ones. Creativity, in this sense, is not merely about adding new elements but also about breaking down outdated structures to make room for growth and innovation.
The joy that comes from creation, as Bergson suggests, is fundamental to human experience. This sentiment is echoed by countless creators across disciplines. The poet Rainer Maria Rilke once remarked:
“The only journey is the one within.”
For Rilke, the journey of creation is deeply introspective, involving the exploration of one’s inner landscapes and emotions.
Similarly, the novelist and essayist Margaret Atwood has said:
“In the end, we all become stories.”
Atwood’s observation emphasises that the process of creating oneself is not just about personal growth but also about contributing to a larger narrative. Our lives are interconnected stories, each one adding richness and depth to the collective human experience.
The pursuit of perpetual creation is an invitation to embrace the infinite journey of self-discovery. It is about recognising that the process of becoming is never complete, that each moment of change offers new growth opportunities.
As the poet and philosopher Rumi eloquently expressed:
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
In acknowledging our vulnerabilities and imperfections, we open ourselves up to the possibility of transformation and creation.
In practice, this means approaching life with a sense of curiosity and openness. It involves being willing to confront and question our assumptions, to explore new ideas and perspectives, and to engage in acts of creativity and expression. Whether through art, writing, relationships, or personal endeavours, the act of creation is a means of continuously shaping and reshaping our identities.
The concept of perpetual creation invites us to view life as an ongoing masterpiece in the making. It challenges us to embrace change, to find joy in the act of creation, and to recognise that our evolution is crafting our unique story. By acknowledging and celebrating the perpetual nature of creation, we honour the triumph of life itself, ever unfolding, ever becoming.
