Lit From Within: The Power of Inspiration
A Three-Part Series
When I was growing up, my mama used to tell me “Mind the company you keep.” You may have heard some version of this from a parent or someone who looked out for you. The idiom was not to be exclusionary. It was meant to plant the seed of an internal focus that could be seen externally in the places, people, and things of which I chose to surround myself. I always heard and felt the intent behind her words: “Charisse, I want you to become the very best person on the inside and in what you do in the world.” And although my mama is no longer physically here, the energy of her words still resonates in me.
So, let’s talk about Inspiration! Have you ever had an idea out of nowhere or a surge of creativity? That was inspiration. Inspiration comes from the Latin word inspirare which means to “breathe into”. Inspiration not only mentally stimulates us to manifest what we want to create; inspiration breathes into WHO WE ARE CREATED TO BE.
Psychologists Todd M. Thrash and Andrew J. Elliot have noted these core aspects of inspiration: evocation, transcendence, and approach motivation. First, Inspiration is evoked spontaneously without intention. Inspiration is the voice that whispers (or shouts for some, lol) to your soul. Inspiration invites you into the realm of new possibilities that await you. Inspiration is limitless and spacious. Inspiration is flow.
Inspiration also transcends our more self-serving concerns and limitations, the Lower Self. It bypasses ego and pride, the parts of your lower self which can create blockages of self-doubt, fear, and the unwillingness to take a risk. Inspiration is an energy that speaks to your highest potential, your Higher Self. Inspiration reminds you that you can in fact achieve your dreams, pursue your passions and live the life that you desire.
Inspiration is the spark of ideas and desire. According to Thrash and Elliot, inspiration involves both being inspired by something and acting on that inspiration. This is called approach motivation, whereby we move from just being inspired to taking action to express and actualize a new idea or vision. Inspiration knocks on the door of your highest version of self-saying “Hey, here’s something new to create,” “Here’s the solution to that problem,” or “Now is the time to pursue that goal you’ve been putting off.”
But what if we find ourselves uninspired? When the spark of inspiration is not happening or as much as it used to, it can feel like being stuck in a cycle of boredom, frustration, and unfulfillment. Life can feel mundane, routine and repetitive as if it were Groundhog Day. If you’re not feeling inspired or the spark of inspiration that once flowed is now stagnant, you’re not alone! I have been there myself where creativity is stifled and buried underneath piles of busyness and the vicissitudes of life. Don’t lose heart, there’s hope!
In this three-part article series “Lit from Within: The Power of Inspiration” we will explore things that can help you open the channels of inspiration and conclude with an Inspiration Manifestation Action Plan to push you into actualization of your dreams and goals.
Three (3) Things You Can Do to Spark Inspiration:
1. Change It Up. Changing your environment, routines, or doing something new can help break the monotony of life and stagnant energy. Visit someplace new or do something new. Strike up a conversation with strangers when you feel led to. The key is being open to change so inspiration can have room to flow.
2. Remember Who You Are. Do you know what inspires you? What makes you come alive? Feeling uninspired or stuck in life may be due to focusing on things that are not aligned with your authentic/true self, what you feel you are created to do in the world, or being in relationships and connections that are misaligned with who you are, who you are becoming, and/or where you are going. Take time to connect with your soul core values, what matters to you, then you’ll know where to direct your attention and intention in life. You will uncover your authentic self and your soul path.
3. Surround Yourself with People Who Make You Feel Inspired. Human beings have an energy field. This is not philosophical or woo-woo, it is science. For example, at some point we may have used the expression “bad vibes”, “negative vibes”, or “good vibes” about a person, situation, or even a place. Intuitively, we know (or feel) something, and this can lead us to pursue or not pursue a connection or opportunity. Inspiration can be contagious. Consider being around people who are in a positive, creative flow state.
These are the people that when you are in their presence, there’s a light, magnetism, a positivity that ignites something inside of you. You walk away from them feeling better, lighter, hopeful, and wanting to conquer the world! When in the presence of inspirational people, you feel like you can do or be the thing you set your mind to. And it’s not so much their words, it’s their energy-a shared connection of what it means to be human that resonates. To become the best versions of ourselves to make a positive impact in the world.
Likewise, negativity can also spread like wildfire. People who always have something negative to say, shoot down ideas, or consistently discourage you from being your authentic self and pursuing what sets your soul on fire may not be your people. Inspiration needs space to move and be free. Aligning yourself with people who are positive and open to new experiences provide an energetic space for inspiration to flow. If you have difficulty finding meaningful connections, try joining online communities or organizations and groups which align with your core values and/or interests.
Here’s a quick litmus test for connection and/or relational alignment: “How do you feel when you leave an interaction or conversation with them?” “How do you feel in this particular environment?” If you answer either of those questions with drained, depleted, my authentic self or things I am interested in pursuing is unwelcome or unvalued, then it’s time to re-evaluate the association or connection.
Do you have people in your life who inspire you? Do they uplift, positively challenge you to be your best? Do they feed your creativity and spark curiosity of possibility? Is their presence healing for your soul? If you have such people in your life, consider yourself blessed. Thank them for creating space to dream and to become.
If you are such a person, we need more people in the world like you! Continue shining your light in the world and igniting the spark of inspiration within others.
I am Charisse Jones, a.k.a. “The Catalyst Coach” and my intention for you is to “Live Life Boldly Empowered and Inspired”. As a Transformation and Relationship Coach, I am here to help those seeking personal growth create transformation, unlock potential, and guide them to their highest selves. Let’s connect! Check out my Transformation Coaching & Personal Branding services at graceandgritunlimited.com