“The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.” – Horace Bushnell
Are you an artist? Or someone with creative skills? You just cannot complete your work if you’re not inspired. You need to find inspiration to do something. To churn out the maximum creative juices, you need to find your inspiration.
And it’s not just for artists. If you want to give a direction to your life, you need to be inspired. But the problem is, most people don’t really know what inspires them. Let’s see how you can find your true inspiration.
We all have different inspirations
While some artists are inspired by nature, others are inspired by humans and their ways of living. We all have different inspiration sources. Some of us need to look within for inspiration, while others have to look outwards. There is actually no golden answer when it comes to finding inspiration. Also, there can be multiple answers for an individual. I find inspiration in many things. And nobody can tell you what should or shouldn’t inspire you. You have to find out yourself. I can only help you in your journey. When I look back at my life, I see that I have been inspired by different things at different times. When I was a teenager, I was inspired by my favourite band. I wanted to be a musician like them. As times change, our inspirations and role models change.
Focus on what you want now
While I still enjoy music, I don’t really want to become a musician anymore. So music isn’t my inspiration now. Today I have different goals and I get inspired by world travellers, entrepreneurs, and leadership. I find people amazing. I am amazed by their abilities and accomplishments. But I find that getting inspired by people isn’t enough. This is why I also draw my inspiration from travel and nature.
Since inspiration sources keep changing, you don’t need to think about the past for inspiration. Think about now. What inspires you and sets your soul free right now? Think of today. What do you want to do right now, or where do you wish you were? That will lead you to your source of inspiration.
Turn to nature
Nature is something that can inspire almost everyone. If you are feeling uninspired, go wandering. Clear your mind of all worries and go out in cool weather- just to enjoy the scenic beauties of nature. This is something that will take your mind off all worries. You will soon find inspiration in nature. From different plants to water bodies, to exciting animals- nature is full of surprises. Just relax and enjoy it, and you’ll be inspired.
Here are some ideas
If you still are unable to find your source of inspiration, try these:
- Read biographies of successful or great people
- Travel and visit another culture. Mingle with the local people there and learn about them
- Go to photography exhibitions and see the beauty captured in images
- Go to the beach and enjoy a quiet walk. This will give you time to reflect on your inner self
- Go to new restaurants and try different type of food. Eat something that you have never tasted before. Many chefs get their inspiration this way
- Go out with friends and have a hearty chat over a long coffee break
- Read some interesting blogs that give some useful information
- Listen to a new kind of music. Select a new genre and enjoy it
- Teach other people. Impart your knowledge. This will give you happiness
If you really want to gain spiritual knowledge and inspiration, you need to be open-minded. If you have hatred for someone because he belongs to a particular country or religion, you cannot gain spiritual freedom. Remember, free your heart of all hatred. Be free in nature, and you’ll find yourself being inspired. Stop being biased or intolerant. Treat everyone equally and with same love and compassion, and you’ll find just love around you.
Leave your iPod. If you are going wandering in nature, make sure you leave your iPod at home. I have seen many people who go on early morning jogging sessions and plug their earphones so that they can cut themselves from the ‘noise’ of the nature. Just enjoy the nature and be one with it. Pay attention to what it is trying to tell you. Listen to bird sounds. It is all very relaxing and peaceful. Your favourite music might be really great, but there is nothing better than the music of nature. Enjoy it for a change.
And in the last, another thing that will help you get inspired: talk to people, socialise. The more you talk to people, the more you will learn. Without socialising, you are just sitting at one place and having one particular mindset. Leave that place. Stop stagnating. Meet different people and learn new things from them.
liked your ideas – you’ve just given me a little nudge which I have been looking for – thanks Tony!
Thanks for dropping in John. Sometimes we all need a little nudge don’t we. Best of luck!