What is Inspiration?

For the next few posts, I’m going to be writing about inspiration. I want to lean into this word and learn more, and to allow it to form how we’re thinking, being, and acting. So return to read more, and hopefully be inspired!

As an artist, I’ve often heard or used phrases myself such as, “I was inspired by... or this person or situation was an inspiration for me to in turn do/make something else.” My thinking about inspiration was limited to something that spontaneously found it’s way to me, something that I may not have been even aware. The other way I saw inspiration was as a launching off place that in turn triggered something else, whether it was a thought, idea, created image or object. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started thinking about inspiration from a widened lens and a more intentional perspective. My thinking about it changed and I started looking at inspiration as necessary fuel for my whole life, not just my creative output. 

One thing that I enjoy learning from is word definitions. So, when I was wanting to know more about inspiration, I turned to the dictionary. Interestingly enough, when I read the full definition of inspiration it finally made sense to me as why it is so critical in our lives. Here’s what it said: 

in·spi·ra·tion [ˌinspəˈrāSH(ə)n] NOUN

1. the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
   * the quality of being inspired, especially when evident in something.
   * a person or thing that inspires.

2. the drawing in of breath; inhalation.

The first definition was the one that had always resonated with me for the word inspiration. It was that second one which took me by complete surprise - inspiration is inhaling or breathing.  Wow!  Now it made sense to me why I was beginning to see why inspiration was so important, because it is imperative for living. To be inspired isn’t something we can afford to be occasionally, once in awhile, or when we have the time. We need inspiration, just like breathing, to live.

This little lesser known definition at the end of the list, has been a game changer for me. It’s meant changing my priorities to not wait for inspiration to find me, but rather to intentionally pursue avenues of inspirations actively and regularly. What inspires me and you may be vastly different, but whatever it is, we must decide that it is important and valuable, and recognize that our lives will either flourish with it or languish without it.

So now that we know that inspiration is imperative for healthy, vital living, what’s next?? In the coming weeks I’ll be sharing more about inspiration-what can get in the way, how we can intentionally pursue it, and how that can lead to a life that’s abundant, creative, and an inspiration to others!

One way to lean more into inspiration is to attend my Creāre Workshop on inspiration! Living Into Your Creative Potential, is all about finding your inspired pathways and how they can fuel your wholehearted life revolution! To Learn more about Creāre, click on the tab below:

Now presenting...Creāre Workshops

After many months, and frankly even a few years of incubation, I am thrilled to be finally launching my Creāre Workshops. We live in an information driven culture, and most of us have reached our saturation point. The Creāre experiences are geared for everyone and anyone who desire to move away from the onslaught of information, and into a more embodied life experience, that flows from their authentic core self. They are designed to allow for play, intention, reflection, and ultimately growth. Click on the Creāre Workshops tab above to learn more and to sign up!

Something's on the horizon!

A few years back, I took a great class with another Art Therapist which focused on developing our identity as artists. During that time, I learned about the stages of the creative process, and fell in love with the concept of incubation. I think what drew me to it so much, was the fact that I spend a lot of time, thinking, musing, wondering, writing or drawing about ideas that I have, but maybe haven't fully formulated yet. So for the last 2 years, I've been incubating the idea of launching some art based workshops that focus on developing creative identity, utilizing inspiration to fuel life, and living our most authentic and wholehearted lives.

My vision for these workshops will be to delve into art making as a way to seek answers to the questions. As author and artist Austin Kleon puts it, "Take time to mess around. Get lost. Wander. You never know where it's going to lead you." It's freeing to give ourselves permission to stop thinking everything through, and allow another part of our brain and body to lead for a change. As an artist myself, I've been able to learn so much about myself and my interaction with the world through observing my own engagement with art. It's my hope that these workshops will give others an opportunity to explore and expand new or forgotten areas of themselves, and even leave with some clarity, direction or answers! 

I'm working on the details now, and am really excited to see where this wandering leads. Keep posted for more details. First workshop is aimed to take place in the beginning of 2019. If you are interested in learning more, stop over on the contact page and send me a message.