The Direction of Intention

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Sometimes I think it is helpful to look at the world through the principles of design, as if all of life was a composition. Principles, in this sense, are the overarching truths of this profession called “design.” They form the “code” that we point to when we say, “that was a great design!” They can also help identify what makes a great life. They are useful principles in identifying and making life’s compositional choices.

Listen to these words as principles for a life well lived: Balance, Rhythm, Proportion, Emphasis, and Unity. These tasty words are ripe with promise! Balance asks, “Where do you place the weight?” It is a question of distribution that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Where do you place the emphasis in your thinking? Are you seeing the hardship? Do you focus on the obstacle or the possibilities? Where do you choose to place the weight of your thinking?

All of the principles are descriptions of relationship. For instance, the concept of unity describes the relationship between the individual parts and the whole of a composition. Rhythm creates a sense of movement, and establishes pattern and texture. We story ourselves according to the patterns we create, patterns that are regular, organic, or progressive – all are questions of relationship.

One of my favorite principles is “The rule of thirds.” This rule recognizes that the most interesting compositions (lives) are those in which the primary element is off center. Divide any visual frame into thirds and place the compositional element on one of the dividing lines. What is it to compose a life that is intentionally off center? It is to create movement. I work with lots of people seeking greater meaning in their lives and inevitably they need to leave their seat of safety (stasis), they must step out of the secure center to create movement, and walk into uncertainty.

No one awakes in the morning and says, “This is the day I will knock myself off center.” However, if you are feeling stuck in your life or that there must be something more, you might remember the rule of thirds. Leave your comfort zone for an hour and see what happens. Movement and relationship are at the heart of good design and a good life. The good news is that symmetry (balance) is available even when you are consciously moving off center. It’s a paradox, to be sure, just as stillness is available while you are in action. Paradox always makes for good design!

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