An important aspect to keep in mind for inspiration is that it is not a skill relegated to intellectual activity.
Last update: July 15, 2020
Inspiration can be described as "breathing in the information of life". For find inspiration, we must be aware of the fact that the brain is not a machine, but a plastic and sensitive reality that requires optimal conditions to offer maximum results.
An important aspect to keep in mind for inspiration is that it is not a skill relegated to intellectual activity. On the contrary, it affects all aspects of life. Inspiration is a state in which cognitive, emotional and will aspects come together. It generates a powerful feeling of well-being and is crucial in creative processes.
It is not easy to define inspiration in exact terms. Dictionaries define it as "impulse to artistic or intellectual creation“,“ Intervention of a divine spirit that determines man's will to act ”or the action of“ breathing the information of life ”. Finding inspiration would therefore consist in creating favorable conditions for that divine impulse or intervention referred to in these definitions.
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined."
-Henry David Thoreau-
From an etymological point of view, these definitions are certainly beautiful, although not very concrete. This lack of precision can only suggest the complexity of this profound and wonderful process. Cultivating inspiration thus also becomes a transcendental fact. How you do it? Let's see some suggestions.
Inspiration, a wonderful phenomenon
Inspiration is a state in which we experience some sort of revelation about an essential aspect of life or reality as such. It is a phenomenon of the intellect as it implies a broad understanding. However, it also implies a special joy, which translates into the conviction or desire to carry out a certain action.
It can be said that inspiration gives us moments of greater happiness. Like a light and expansive force that opens our minds and hearts. When we are inspired, we feel a direct and real connection with the entire universe. The malaise disappears. We feel a sense of peace.
Neuroscientists Marcos Jung-Beeman and Edward Bowden of Northwestern University, and John Kounios of Drexel University have conducted interesting studies on the subject. According to what emerged through magnetic resonance images, part of the brain, at the right temporal lobe, it literally lights up at certain moments of revelation or epiphany.
Inspiration and motivation
Many times inspiration and motivation are confused, even if they are very distinct phenomena. Motivation is a force that pushes us to develop certain actions in order to achieve something specific or to avoid harm.
It is the fruit of an innate and typical character of human nature: to seek pleasure and avoid pain. We feel motivated to do something because we start from the idea that with it we will fulfill a wish or prevent something bad from happening.
Inspiration goes further, bringing the concept of pleasure or pain to a second plane. It is such a powerful force that it allows us to accept pain without problem, as the goal surpasses it. Not even a specific benefit is sought, but a greater fullness. It is what those who give their lives for freedom or who are capable of any harassment in the name of a cause feel.
Find inspiration
Finding inspiration is a process that involves great effort and persistence. Some paths allow you to nourish this state and, ultimately, reach it. The first path is meditation which has been scientifically proven to change brain functioning. This facilitates the creation processes, which in turn are a result of inspiration.
Reading fictional literary works or any other artistic practice are other suitable ways to find inspiration. These activities break the usual patterns and favor the construction of new perspectives. In turn, these new viewpoints, sooner or later, lead to those profound revelations characteristic of the state of inspiration.
Getting adequate rest and a change of scenery are other key factors in cultivating inspiration. Resting implies sleeping well and oxygenating the mind periodically, while a change of air means changing the physical and mental scenario when you feel blocked; open a parenthesis of indefinite length. All this facilitates moments of inspiration that many times help to turn everything around.
