Inspiration (you’ve got it)

I have been a fan of inspiration nearly all my life.  Every time I see extraordinary talent, hear beautiful music, listen to an inspiring speech or read something astounding, I am in a great mood for long periods of time; I find myself taking action or sharing the experience or whatever comes to mind.  I seek out all of the above whenever possible and often they just land at my door.  For years I would use quotes in my classes or more recently video clips, to bring a shift of mood or to emphasize a point.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s all good – but I also made the mistake of thinking the inspiration was in the thing itself – as an example for me, everything from Bruce Springsteen to Steph Curry, can put me over the top – often even in tears.

It took me quite some time to discover inspiration is a built-in response – it’s a capacity that is inherent in the design of every living thing.  I have three terriers who remind me daily that even small things like a chipmunk running by, can inspire them…or playing with a pinecone seems endlessly entertaining.  I would never find those things so moving if the ability to be moved- to have tears-to feel uplifted was not already there.  Outside forces, no matter how extraordinary, do not have the power to manufacture a feeling -enhance it perhaps…but create it…never.

Lately people have been mentioning to me the effect of the news – the events of the world-the continuing state of fear that arises.  Again – is it the event itself that has that power or some thing else that fosters those responses as well?  That end of the spectrum is not the focus of this blog – but rather that we can choose to be inspired- we can call up that amazing ability in ourselves, moment to moment- over anything at all.  It doesn’t have to be something monumental – it is literally available 24/7.

For instance, gaze at the photo I selected for this blog….what I find inspiring is that our friend here seems to be smiling and if he/she can be smiling, I can be smiling -knowing I have that ability inspires me…it belongs to me – and no one or no thing can take it away.  Now I turn in another direction and see the fire in Yosemite – I have seen those majestic sequoia’s and as I am tempted to call up a sadder place in me, I call up the inspiration that they have stood in their beauty and power for 3,000 years and no fire can take that knowing from me…

I agree it takes practice – just know that you have the power to call up inspiration – you are the decision maker, and the gift is already within.

Just to share – here is a quote that reminded me this morning to call out inspiration for my day.