This fall was a roller coaster of a fall. Still, somehow in the blur of it all something has stood out to me. It wasn’t something new, but it was something I am learning to understand in deeper ways. I have noticed the great blessing and energy I derive from people who influence and inspire me. As an artist, I am probably particularly aware of inspiration, as my work develops out of thoughts and ideas. Without that, well, I tend to be at a loss. So I am always trying to notice where inspirations, ideas, and energy spring from (probably in hopes of finding some perpetual source of inspiration).
Recently a lot of things have inspired me. More than places or things, it has been people. It came this fall in many ways, whether it was getting stranded on a flight across the country due to a hurricane and bumming a few days at the house of a fellow artist friend, Rose, or engaging in all manner of deep conversations. It came from getting together with local friends for parties, holidays, and events. It was there when I was working in Cambodia with a team of talented and committed people from all over the world. It was sharing my art in the company of some great people, and it was enjoying the camaraderie of some remarkable people at a number of conferences. I know it sounds like stating the obvious, but I have noticed how much I benefit from being surrounded by people who inspire me. I often joke how when I get together with some friends, it feels like we could conquer the free world, or at least solve the world’s global problems without leaving the couch. It’s made me want to be more deliberate about creating those environments and experiences where inspiration flourishes.
When we talk about language development we talk about receptive and expressive language—receptive being the ability to understand words that are spoken to us, and expressive being the ability to speak words that others understand. Lately I have been thinking about these concepts, receiving and expressing, in reference to inspiration—our ability to draw inspiration from others and our ability to inspire others.
Lately as I have reflected on these people who have inspired me so, I find it is in their sincerity, generosity of spirit and heart, and excellence. The thread I have noticed that weaves through these experiences is how in so many of these situations, others were so genuine; they went out of their way to help me, to value me, to share freely of whatever they had that would be to my benefit. I tried to explain to someone the other day about how lucky I felt to have great friends and examples in my life. They have modeled something very powerful to me— a purposeful intention to inspire, actively seeking out ways to support, and build up others. I realized how much I really want to inspire others. Don’t get me wrong here, I don’t want people to think I am great, but I want to pass on to others the things which have been so generously shared with me, be it time, love, thoughts, or encouragement. I have contemplated ways I can be more generous with what I have—not so much with physical commodities but with emotional ones.
So I guess I am left thinking about my inspiration quotient—seeking out great sources of inspiration, but also putting in the effort to instill it in others around me.
So tell me where do you derive inspiration from? Have you thought before about the energy and inspiration you give to others? What have been some small inspirations in your life lately?
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