Inspiration is that feeling of sweet emotional uplift that is like a spiritual experience. It’s an emotion full of hope and wonder about the world, an idea, and for life. It often contains a call to creative action. Suddenly life seems full of new possibilities and potential and the ordinary seems to contain a secret extraordinary essence.
Hence, the importance of inspiration in our lives is everywhere. But we often take it for granted and don’t realize we are feeling it or looking for it. It is key to transcending our limitations and motivating us toward healthy change. Think of sites like Pinterest or Instagram where we look at images of beautiful things or people doing interesting feats like dancing or even creating an extraordinary garden. Momentarily, we are uplifted and motivated to express our creativity as well.
However, the problem is we sort of contract out our inspiration. We’ve become watchers of others instead of following our own inspired mindset. Scott Kaufman of Harvard Business Review says, “inspiration can be activated, captured, and manipulated, and it has major affects on important life outcomes.” True! Let’s explore the role this special vibe plays in our lives and how to harness it’s power for our own well-being.
Characteristics of Inspiration
Historically, inspiration was seen as gifts, such as knowledge, that humans received from the divine. This alludes to that quality of inspiration that feels above our normal experience, as though it’s something outside of ourselves that suddenly takes over, like a whispering idea from a muse. Indeed, many creative people talk about their ideas seeming to come from some source beyond themselves.
What is it about that? Why do we identify the most delicious of emotions as transcendent or beyond us? I think it’s because deep down, we all long to be connected in a spiritual way to all of life, to the universe, to God. Inspiration is a gateway into that connectedness.
Psychologists studying inspiration found three important aspects of the mood: evocation, transcendence, and approach motivation. Sounds heady, but these basically mean that the feeling comes on spontaneously, that it feels connected to a larger sense of self or puts us in a selfless state, and it calls us to carry it forward in our lives through a creative endeavor or expression (to share it). Here are some key elements of inspiration:
Key elements:
- Inspiration ignites creativity: It sparks the creative flame within, fueling innovative thinking and imaginative ideas.
- It leads to well-being: It nourishes the soul, cultivates a sense of fulfillment, and promotes emotional and mental wellness. You identify with a more positive self-image when inspired.
- It helps you with goals: It serves as a powerful driving force that propels you forward and keeps you motivated on the path to achieving your objectives.
- Inspiration connects you to others: It forms bridges of understanding, empathy, and shared experiences, fostering meaningful connections and fostering a sense of community.
- It leads to new ideas: It opens doors to fresh perspectives, encourages out-of-the-box thinking, and paves the way for breakthrough innovations.
How To Increase Inspiration in Our Lives
Let’s dive in and explore some practical strategies to boost your creative spark and reignite your inspiration.
First things first, create space for inspiration to flourish. Take a step back from your daily routine and carve out dedicated time for yourself. Engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, whether it’s going for a walk in nature, practicing meditation, or indulging in your favorite hobby. By giving yourself permission to slow down and reconnect with your inner self, you create a fertile ground for inspiration to take root.
Next, seek out new experiences and diverse perspectives. Exposing yourself to different ideas, cultures, and art forms can be a game-changer. Attend workshops, exhibitions, or conferences related to your interests, and be open to learning from experts and engaging in conversations with like-minded individuals. The beauty of exploring new horizons is that it expands your worldview, challenges your assumptions, and invites fresh insights that can spark your imagination.
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Remember, inspiration is not something you passively wait for; it’s something you actively cultivate. By intentionally creating the conditions for inspiration to thrive and embracing new experiences, you’ll be well on your way to a more inspired and fulfilling life.
List of Ways to Trigger Inspiration:
- Sit outside and journal write or draw
- Read The Artist’s Way and do the exercises
- Travel to a new place
- Go out in a nature to a new place you’ve not been to
- Visit an art museum or exhibit in your town
- Look at art books or read inspiring life stories/biographies
- Spend time playing with children and getting into their world
- Paint or play music
- Listen to a good concert or new album
- Watch an inspiring documentary such as people overcoming great odds or evil in the world
- Hang out with inspiring people doing amazing community work or who are uplifting and who really see you for who you are
Remember, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. Embrace these ideas as starting points, but also stay open to new experiences and let your own unique journey guide you to even more sources of inspiration.