"The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists." - Charles Dickens

Image provided by Andy Tindor

What is an Act of Construction/Restoration?

Acts of construction or restoration honor the intuitive awareness that creativity is more powerful than destruction. Destructive acts do not require intelligence or skill, and a few moments of anger can destroy work that took centuries to complete. In an example like the Taliban’s demolition of the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, the actions of a few harmed millions who viewed the statues as priceless art. Nations around the world had united and asked that the Taliban preserve the ancient site. But the Taliban refused. In that instance and others like it destruction seems the more powerful force, as beautiful and priceless works can be lost.

But while the destructive expression of anger is empty and requires only the absence of self-control, creativity requires intelligence, patience, knowledge, skill, and talent. The work of the creative person may seem vulnerable, but even it is destroyed, creative people still possess the qualities needed to re-create. They are able to act so that with time, beauty and function might be restored. After a few, fleeting moments of glee, the person who chooses to destroy, has nothing.

Acts of construction involve the creation of new structures or environments designed to improve the quality of life while respecting the needs of the future. Acts of construction use visualization, creativity and skill to move an idea from imagination to reality. Intuition and foresight are necessary to anticipate future needs, while compassion produces a desire to address those needs in the present. Acts of construction foster all of these attributes and enable the people to use unique, creative gifts in personal ways. They can be as simple as building a birdhouse or as complex as building a cathedral or library, but they are characterized by a belief in the future and a desire to provide for it. Because they utilize the individual’s unique, creative gifts acts of construction enable the creator to make a meaningful life statement and legacy.

Acts of restoration are acts that repair or restore damaged structures, objects or environments to a functional or attractive state or back to the original condition. People who enjoy restorative or “rescue” acts tend to have a love of tradition, a deep respect for history, or interest in the work and lives of ancestors. Acts of restoration encourage connections to the past and reflect an appreciation of the wisdom and creativity of those who have come before us. Acts of restoration foster respect for history and the love of a good story. Here imagination and creativity are used with available resources to problem-solve and complete effective repairs in attractive ways. Acts of restoration tend to respect resources and often attempt to prevent waste or to preserve old growth wood, stone or other materials used by builders of the past. Restorers love the feeling of having “saved” something from the trash heap or landfill, or feeling connected to builders or artists from the past. This spirit is the essence of re-cycling.

Acts of restoration may include refinishing or repairing furniture, books, old toys, restoring old cars, trucks, tractors, trains, houses, buildings, churches, structures, railroads, farms, barns, bridges, reforestation projects, or efforts to reclaim polluted water sources or landfills.