INSPIRATION - THE BREATH OF GOD

The root of the word “inspiration” comes from the Latin word “inspirare”: to breathe into. I think that our more noble pursuits come from the mind of God; an idea revealed to us in moments of prayer and meditation or during a walk in nature or even in conversation with a beloved friend. I like to think of that inspiration, that idea, as the breath of God itself flowing in and through us and out into the world.

When we are inspired we choose to open our hearts and minds to ideas that feed us on a soul level, ideas that bring joy not only to our hearts but to the hearts of those we know and love - as well as perfect strangers. I  know I am inspired when words flow easily onto the page, when I place my pen upon a blank sheet of paper and begin to draw something of beauty.

It does not have to be a masterpiece. It needs only to have “heart” … a tender piece of me that I value dearly and want to draw forth from myself to share with and, hopefully, inspire others to feel loved, to feel special, to realize their own creative goals, their own awesome potential. When we walk beside one another in life supporting and inspiring one another to be our best selves … well, I think that is the work God put us here on earth to do.

I seek not to simply take up space on the planet, but to make changes that reverberate out into the universe itself, changes that are small but that encourage others to grow and change and express God-within-them. We are our best selves when we think creatively, beyond the box, beyond the problem, beyond the obvious and into the amazing territory of inspiration.

Remember those picture puzzle games from childhood where we were asked to look at a picture or a design and describe what we saw? Or maybe we were challenged to put a story to the picture, something we drew up from what is deep inside ourselves. That was an opportunity and a challenge to allow our imagination to run wild. Unfortunately, for too many of us, in growing older we gave up that childish creativity and imagination and replaced it with duty, logic, obligation … in effect starving that creative little kid still inside of us.

So, I challenge you to do something which sparks your creativity. You don’t need to share this with anyone else unless it feels comfortable to do so. Grab a box of crayons or some markers and a pad of paper from your local dollar store. Bring those treasures home. One evening, put aside all else: bill paying, phone calls, required reading.

Just play. See where that play takes you. Watch what happens inside when you get quiet and allow inspiration to flow through you, work its magic in you. I’m betting you’ll feel refreshed, re-energized and pleasantly surprised at the beauty that comes forth from you … the breath of God that expresses itself through you. Let go and let inspiration be your guide.