How to Unlock Your Inner Inspiration, Pt. 2

Embrace Expression

The subtle sensibilities of a child can be captured in an instant with the click of a camera shutter. Waves crashing on a rocky shore can be given life with long and deliberate brush strokes; guitar strings brightened with the sound of varying vibrations. Art, in its many forms, is the product of stimulation and creativity—the expression of inspiration.

Whether you make a painting, or lose your gaze within one; compose a song, or melt into its rhythms, you can create endless gateways to inspiration through various forms of expression.

People often think they are not creative. Sentiments of “I can’t…” or “I don’t…” can prelude people’s definitions of themselves. But even if you have never written a song, made a painting or developed a photograph, you never have to characterize yourself with a “right” or “wrong” way to approach expression.

There is no secret to seeking inspiration, just follow what moves you. If you see of experience something that provokes your emotion, you know that it has the potential to change the way you look at the world.

Inspiration seems to swirl from the ground to the sky, like a pile of loose leaves caught in a gust of breeze. Let this movement take you from a static place in your life to a new dynamic level.

Enhance a Hobby

Inspiration is sometimes lost amidst our obligations to our careers and families. Our days are filled to the brim with to-dos and agendas that are not always conducive to creativity.

There is usually a commonality in what separates most of us from our interests and hobbies: time…it’s never as free as we want to be. Sometimes carving out pockets of free time is what it takes to make space for sparks of inspiration in our daily lives.

Good intentions exist in collections of books, instruments, sketchbooks, canvases and cameras, all waiting for inspiration to pull them out of dusty corners. Pastimes we were once inspired to pursue can get pushed to the bottom of our lists of priorities, along with the motivation to find potential allures or passions.

Think about what you miss about an interest that has faded out of your life. A hobby can help relieve stress and provide an outlet for pent up energy. Start by making a little bit of time each week to resurrect a passion in your life that has faded away. Don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t feel quite the same as it used to—our interaction with our interests in life will change over time.

Although it can be frustrating to feel like you have taken two strides backwards in your yoga practice, for example, remember that you have the opportunity to improve every day, and relish in the chance to get started right now.