A guest post by Sara Pemberton
Some days, inspiration feels hard to come by.
You’ve got a deadline, an idea, and maybe even an outline, but the creative urge is miles away. These are the days that drag, that suck your energy, and that cloud your courage. I know. I’ve been there more than I’d like.
But there’s a secret about inspiration, one that can open the door to creativity anytime you wish.
Life will inspire.
The world is waiting to inspire you, given half a chance and just a moment of quiet. All you have to do is be receptive.
On more than one occasion, I’ve felt tapped out on blog ideas for the moment. No matter how I rack my brain, nothing really seems to click. As soon as I stop trying to be creative and just let go and enjoy life, ideas come. Sometimes pulling weeds in the backyard fills me with creative energy, and other times just sitting back and watching people live their lives is the fuel that sparks a great idea. Life will always find a way to inspire, as long as you’ll pause your busy day long enough to let it.
Ready to find your inspiration?
Quiet Your Inner Voice
The world has a hard time getting messages through to you when your mind is filled with chatter. Take a moment to let go of planning, preparing, reviewing, and weighing options. Give yourself 15 or 20 minutes to just be. You might watch the people walking past your window, you might focus on listening to music, or you might just enjoy the sensation of breathing fresh air. By letting go of inner conversations, you’re giving yourself permission to stop preparing for the future and start enjoying the moment you’re in.
Find Something Beautiful
Beauty inspires. That bit of wisdom has been true since the days of Helen. To collect inspiration, seek out something beautiful: a blooming tree, raindrops falling on a puddle, a bold work of art, or the color of sunshine streaming through your window. You don’t need to do any more than enjoy the beauty you find. If you’re not trying to find something meaningful in that beauty, chances are, it will come to you.
Marvel at Your Surroundings
Take a closer look at everything around you. Remember the story behind that knick-knack on your shelf. Imagine the history behind the items and buildings around you. Let yourself be amazed by the stars in the sky. So many times, marveling at your surroundings–the things that are taken for granted every day–is a great way to bring fresh perspective to your thoughts and new angles to rough ideas.
Talk to a Friend
One great way to step out of your life is to step into someone else’s. Catch up with a friend, listen to their exciting news, and help them out with any problems. Even hearing another tone of voice, a fresh choice of words, and a different take on the same subject can spark your creativity. Most of all, sharing with another person lets you get out of your mind and well-worn mental paths, just for a few minutes.
Read Someone’s Else’s Words
I find a lot of inspiration in quotes and lyrics. I love exploring the words of a traditional quote to see if they fit my life, if I agree, and if there’s room to evolve the thought. Listening to a favorite song—really listening to the words—can open up a new train of thought. Imagine what the writer must have gone through or felt to tap into that emotion you’re hearing or reading. Playing with another person’s words gives you a jumping-off point for your own compositions and ideas.
Often, inspiration comes when we stop seeking it and start simply living.
So how do you find inspiration?
For more from Sara, please visit OnSimplicity.net, a blog about having less and enjoying more in life
Photo by kton25
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Sara,
These are great ideas for getting out of a creativity slump! My favorite is “Quiet Your Inner Voice”. I get some of my best ideas in the shower when I’m not trying to think of anything.
Roger – A Content Lifes last blog post..30 Days of Mindful Eating – Day 30
Roger, I too think best sitting in the shower. I let the hot water flow over my head and ears. It drowns out any noise and creates a sound comparable to that of a shell when placed against the ear. My mind always wonders with creative freedom.
Mark Lewiss last blog post..Best Ways to Lose Weight
For me, the trick is not to reach for inspiration. Simply being, going about daily living, is an openness which absorbs like a sponge!
Kaushiks last blog post..Awareness and Release –The Two-Step Dance of Awakening
I wonder what it is about the shower, because I get a lot of brainstorms there, too! It must be the sensory experience like Mark described, or at least the feeling that you’re not supposed to be tackling any urgent agenda items in the shower…
Sara at On Simplicitys last blog post..Three Simple Ways to Enjoy Spring
Hi Sara,
Great post! I also get great ideas and/or realizations in the shower. On a technical level, I think the steam helps to open the blood vessels so circulation is more efficient. On a non-technical level, I think it is because we are in the moment in a way. Yes, your mind may be racing but you are kind of still too.
Nadia – Happy Lotuss last blog post..Tag…You’re It!
When I stumbled upon Sara’s blog, On Simplicity.net, I immediately thought, “Sara would be a great guest poster for Goodlife Zen!”
I love this post and I’m happy that Goodlife Zen readers are enjoying it too!
YES! If you’re writing about life (and what else is there to write about, when it comes down to it) then you’ve got to get out there and LIVE!
Paces last blog post..Freaky Thursday: Blue Hair
There is so much inspiration in the world. I agree with having some quiet time to open up your mind.
I also love to browse through books – even just looking at an art book helps.
I’m a designer as well as a writer, and I keep a notebook in my studio because while focusing on a piece I’m working on – I’ll have ideas to write about pop into my head.
Chad Prigmores last blog post..Just Finished Reading, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior”
After 8 hours straight working in front of computer, I take a break and work out at gym.After it was feeling fresh and rejuvenate, you need something to grasp on earth or touch, to loosen your mind.Great post
Ari Lestarionos last blog post..Cat Meditation as Holistic Remedies
On Simplicity is in my Favourites file too, Mary!
Lovely post, Sara, lovely fit, Mary!
You truly do bless readers and writers all over the world, Mary, by being the mirror that spreads the light!
janices last blog post..How to Find Inspiration if you are the Worst Blogger in the World
Thanks for the very helpful post.
Sometimes I get inspiration while in “unbeautiful” places, too. For example, the dentist office or downtown LA where it’s sort of grungy, the streets are teeming with people but it’s not necessarily beautiful.
Darlas last blog post..Yoga with Astrid: This is the year of the self
Thanks for the very helpful post.
Sometimes I get inspiration while in “unbeautiful” places, too. For example, the dentist office or downtown LA where it’s sort of grungy, the streets are teeming with people but it’s not necessarily beautiful.
Thanks for this post. What I’ve found effective when writer’s block comes up is to just sit there with that feeling of blankness and allow it to be — and if I have the faith to wait a little while, my best ideas of the day or week emerge from that emptiness.
This is a great post from Sara, who has a great site as well. When I’m having trouble feeling inspired, I look at something or think of something beautiful. This usually helps to snap my mind into a positive, inspired state.
Positively Presents last blog post..have the courage to be happy
This is a well written and needed post. When I’m out of ideas I write about my mistakes and the lessons I’ve learned. I never run out!
Our favorite person, mentor, teacher and what we learned.
Any activity you enjoy. The list is endless.
Tess The Bold Lifes last blog post..Magic Mondays = 1/7 of Your Life
I came here from Problogger to comment on your elevator pitch. I think you are right to nix the “No fluff” start for the tag.
BTW – helpful, inspiring info here.
Susans last blog post..March Wrap-Up