One thing that struck me during my long vacation was the need of form and shape. It seems that we can do nothing, compose nothing, think nothing, achieve nothing without putting it into a frame or giving it at least some kind of context. Let me explain:
The most formless thing I can imagine is the open sea. But when we as humans enter the sea there is this need of keeping things together, not sprawling out, caring for peace and order. Look at the strict schedules of single-handed solo sailors (getting up at six every morning, carefully pointing out positions on a sea chart, preparing meals). I like to think of days like plain canvas, but we have to give it all a proportionality. Without structure - our efforts are worth nothing.
And also, if we wouldn’t give the ocean our connotation of longing and imagination, it would mean nothing:
"Rien ne vaut la peine d'etre vécu, qui n'est d'abord une oeuvre d'imagination ou alors la mer ne serait plus que de l'eau salée"
- Romain Gary