Project 12 Topic: Inspiration (by Stacy Julian)

Inspiration:  the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

You may already know what inspires you.  Perhaps it is a particular genre of music, or a nice long walk, or a virtual jount through Pinterest.com.  Whatever it is, you need to go there often, and with confidence that sparks will fly.  Because inspired thought is often discovered as an answer or solution, it would be wise to fill your mind (and your journal or blog) with questions.

As you seek inspiriation it will come. 

Practice listening and learning, and be willing to change directions when inspiration calls.

I want you to visit a store and leave your wallet in the car (in other words, go shopping without the intention of making a purchase) and just wander. Stop and handle things, read labels or tags, touch, feel and notice. I love to do this and I do it quite often—when I do, I take photos with my phone (I posted a handful of these kinds of images in the classroom).

Another recommendation is to start a visual collection of the things you find interesting or inspiring. I’m certain most of you are aware of the cultural sensation that is Pinterest. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, please stop this audio now and go to www.pinterest.com and expose yourself to what is possibly the hottest trend in filtering content on the World Wide Web. If you have a Pinterest account, then spend 10 minutes this week nurturing your virtual pin boards. If you do not have an account, get one. If you need an invitation, let me know! I’m in LOVE with the idea of curating images and links to the original source of those images, so that I can satisfy my curiosity at any time!

And, since I don’t believe the connection between breathing and exposing yourself to exhilarating things is accidental, I want you to get outside this week and fill your lungs with good, clean, fresh air!

When it comes to inspiration, I’m of the opinion that it is less important to know what it is and more important to know how it feels and how to feel it.

I’ll close with more paraphrased words from life-coach, Amanda Harvey...

“Finding inspiration on a daily basis means aligning your heart and mind with the unlimited abundance of life, and consciously focusing on the possibilities that surround you. So, what is inspiration in practical terms? It is the flow of energy that moves through us when we are in tune with our higher selves. It is the state in which we can create without effort. Our actions flow through us, and rather than trying to make things happen, we get to surrender to the inspiration that we are experiencing, and let things happen.

Stop blocking your own inspiration with excuses not to create what you are destined to create. Believe in your heart that you have something important to contribute, and then take action and start doing it. The inspiration will follow.”