Inner Inspiration

What feeds your soul? What makes you come alive? So often we look to something outside ourselves to do the job. But what if we could access that type of nourishment and inspiration from within ourselves? In fact, we came into this world equipped with just such tools, however it seems we forgot how to use them.

Now don’t get me wrong; I can draw much inspiration from watching an amazing sunset, gazing at a majestic mountain, reading a riveting novel, listening to music, viewing art, or eating exquisite food, but what allows me to fully take in and tap into the positive attributes that each experience offers is a connection to my deepest self. In other words, the true source of inspiration is within me yet is triggered and made manifest through these external sources. But what if we take away all those things, can we still find it in ourselves?

Granted, it is not always easy. There are so many layers of conditioning that get in the way, and so many aspects of our day-to-day existence that can distract us. This is why we practice, so that when the chance arises for inspiration, we are prepared to fully receive it. We practice to clear away that which gets in the way of having access to our deepest reserves of soul food. We practice to open up the channels of awareness to find inspiration from within. We become familiar with what feeds us and makes us feel alive, and we do everything possible to maintain that insight. This is why we practice.

Practice
Take 20 minutes, in the morning, the evening, or both, to sit quietly in meditation. Sit comfortably with a tall, upright spine; on a cushion, the floor, in a chair, on your bed, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re comfortable. You can focus on your breath; use a mantra such as ‘so ham’; or simply observe your thoughts come and go. 20 minutes, that’s all. If you’ve never meditated before, begin with just a few minutes and gradually work your way toward longer times. And if 5 minutes is all you’ve got, then those 5 minutes are better than none. Give it a try!