Be a Builder, Not a Consumer

In my last article, we explored the active nature of love as a path to self-connection and connection with others. Today, I want to expand on this concept by discussing how the act of building—of consciously creating—can lead us to a life of fulfillment.

Inspired by the teachings of Zen and Aikido, the writings of Richard Dotts, and themes from Arcade Fire's "Age of Anxiety," let’s explore how choosing to build rather than consume aligns us with our inner strength, cultivates resilience, and brings us closer to a sense of timeless purpose.

The Consuming Nature of Modern Life

In the modern world, we’re often conditioned to consume rather than create. As Arcade Fire's "Age of Anxiety" captures, we live in a time characterized by a vague, pervasive restlessness.

Advertisements urge us to buy, social media encourages us to compare, and society teaches us to value ourselves based on what we own. Consumption is easy. It offers quick gratification, a temporary balm to our unease, but the sense of satisfaction it brings fades almost as soon as it arrives.

Richard Dotts writes extensively on the idea that the external world is shaped by our internal landscape; what we focus on within ourselves is mirrored in our reality. He explains that a life of consumption, where we are constantly looking outward for fulfillment, drains us of energy and creative potential.

Instead, by turning inward, cultivating our intentions, and choosing to create, we harness the ability to shape our lives in meaningful ways. Rather than looking for fulfillment outside ourselves, building allows us to become active participants in crafting our own reality.

Building as a Practice of Harmony and Flow

The martial art of Aikido offers valuable insights into the philosophy of creation over consumption. In Aikido, the goal is not to defeat an opponent but to blend with their energy, using their momentum to redirect it harmoniously.

This practice teaches us to move fluidly and stay connected to our center, which is precisely what we must do when we choose to build. Like Aikido, building something meaningful requires an awareness of the energies around us and a willingness to work with them rather than resist them.

Alan Watts discusses the concept of wu wei, or effortless action, as a core principle of both Taoism and Zen. He describes how a sense of flow can only be achieved when we stop forcing things and allow them to unfold naturally .

When we are in this state of flow, we move from a place of groundedness. The art of building, like Aikido, asks us to harmonize with the world rather than impose our will upon it. In this way, we move from a state of consumption, which drains us, to a state of creation, which renews us.

The Role of Intentional Creation Life of Purpose

As I reflect on my journey of building a private chef business in the midst of the 2008 economic crisis, I’m reminded of the power of intentional creation. Starting a business during an economic downturn seemed counterintuitive to many. But I felt called to offer something of value, to create experiences that would bring joy and connection to others.

This process taught me that building isn’t just about achieving external success; it’s about aligning our actions with our values and connecting to a purpose that transcends the material world.

When I transitioned into consulting, the focus of my work shifted from creating tangible meals to designing solutions for businesses. Yet, the fulfillment I found was similar.

Each project was an opportunity to bring something into existence that didn’t exist before, to engage in the alchemical process of turning ideas into reality. This, I realized, is the essence of true creation: it is an act of love, one that expands beyond the self to touch the lives of others.

Eugene Fersen writes about creation as an essential human drive, a pathway to fulfillment that connects us to the universal spirit. He explains that creation allows us to tap into an infinite reservoir of energy, aligning us with the same force that governs the natural world. By choosing to build, we engage in a process that is both personal and transcendent.

Practical Steps for Building Over Consuming

If you’re ready to move beyond consumption and engage in the creative process, here are some practical steps inspired by Zen, Aikido, and the teachings of Richard Dotts:

1. Cultivate Inner Stillness: Just as in Aikido, where one learns to stay centered amidst external forces, building requires a quiet mind. Spend time in meditation or reflective practices that allow you to connect with your core. Alan Watts emphasizes that it is only from a state of inner stillness that true creation can emerge .

2. Embrace the Flow: When building something, be it a project, a relationship, or a skill, allow yourself to enter a state of flow. Release the need to control every outcome. Instead, let the process guide you. Like the movements of Aikido, creation is most powerful when it is fluid and harmonious.

3. Focus on Intentions, Not Results: Richard Dotts reminds us that focusing too heavily on outcomes can actually hinder the process. Instead, concentrate on the intentions behind your actions. Why are you building this? What purpose does it serve? When your actions are aligned with your higher purpose, the results will take care of themselves.

4. Build with Love: Eugene Fersen describes love as the ultimate creative force. When you build from a place of love, you infuse your creations with energy and purpose. Whether it’s a business, a piece of art, or a community project, let love be the guiding force behind everything you create.

5. Practice Mindful Resilience: Building something meaningful takes time and perseverance. Just as in Aikido, where one must remain resilient and adaptive, the path of creation requires patience. There will be challenges along the way, but each one offers a lesson that will ultimately strengthen your work.

Becoming a Creator in the Age of Anxiety

In a world that constantly pulls us toward consumption, choosing to build is a radical act of self-liberation. It requires us to slow down, tune into our inner wisdom, and engage deeply with the world around us.

As Arcade Fire’s “Age of Anxiety” reflects, our society is often plagued by feelings of emptiness and unrest. But by shifting from passive consumption to active creation, we reclaim our power and find a path to true fulfillment.

Building is not just about what we create externally; it’s about who we become in the process. It’s an invitation to align with the natural flow of the universe, to live in harmony with our surroundings, and to bring forth the unique gifts that lie within us. By becoming builders, we move from a life of fleeting pleasures to one of lasting purpose.

So, ask yourself today: what will you build? How will you engage with the world in a way that leaves a meaningful impact? Remember, in the words of Aikido, building is not about dominating the world; it’s about harmonizing with it. It’s about stepping into a role of active creation, where each day becomes an expression of who you truly are.

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