What is Inspiration?

New Year’s Day is a time to reflect.  I’ve sat down patiently to see what comes to mind for reflection.  My first thought is one of the process of mourning and loss.  I learned a lot about this in 2011.  My next thought is one of almost the opposite.  Inspiration.  This word and thought was part of a list of thought provoking questions I’ve been working on the last month or two.  I’ve gotten kind of stuck on it... in a good way.

What does inspiration feel like?

I think inspiration feels like excitement.  It feels like time can pass and I’m unaware.  I don’t get hungry or feel a need to stop for daily necessities.  I’m in the zone.  I enjoy the moment.  I feel joy and deep satisfaction.  I feel like I’m part of something purposeful for those moments of engrossment.  The question is almost like asking what makes you happy, but in an even higher state of consciousness.

When are times when I feel this?

When I am with kids and babies.  And I mean this in a deeper way than the desire to become a mom.  A way to serve for me is to be the one in the nursery who takes the “crier”.  I enjoy being the one to calm the child that doesn’t want to be there.  When I am with some of the babies at work-before the dreaded neck side bend stretch, my heart feels physically full as I’m connecting with the cooing infant.  This additionally proves confidence building for the parents with their baby in my hands.

What makes you glad to be alive?  What makes all the s*** worth it?

I can feel inspired by a conversation in the presence of someone I care for or love.  In hours of talking there are a few golden moments when someone else makes sense.  I’ve had few relationships in life that are truly “soulmate” relationships.  Relationships that provide ultimate safety for my deepest thoughts and concerns.  Glimpses of that level of intimacy inspire me.  My greatest hope for 2012 is for one of those people to walk into my life.  

The world inspires me.  That’s why I crave so deeply to see the corners of it.  I don’t want to be sheltered from the realities of third world conditions.  Although at times the truth makes me want to vomit.  I want to know what is real... not the Disney version.

My last immediate thought is one of freedom.  This must be the tie in to grief and loss I mentioned in the beginning.  As difficult as the low times are, there is freedom after an experience of healing.  Stories of overcoming and endurance inspire me.  

I love this question-that’s why I’ve spent days (weeks?) thinking about it.  I hope anyone reading this feels encouraged to take a moment to stew on this in the near future.  What inspires you?  Give yourself a gift this year.  Make your inspirations more a part of your daily life.  I know I will.