Inspiration

Inspiration is such a beautiful word. We hear inspired speeches and witness inspired play. In creative moments we step outside of routine and swim in the depths of inspiration. In truth, this heavenly juice is the essential breath of life. To inspire is to breath.

When one examines the rampant social challenges of anxiety, depression, insomnia and stress in its various forms of deflated self, it is obvious there are too few actually breathing. Certainly, we are consumers of oxygen but not many are taking in life’s essence. Those of us who want to rise above, to be transformational leaders must take within integrity and human understanding. At the centre of the word inspiration is a spire, the very pinnacle, the highest point and the most exalted of human values. We must choose to take within in order to give meaning to our duties and responsibilities. At the peak of many places of worship one sees a spire, reaching toward the heavens yet grounded here on earth. The spire within a leader or performer is that inner center that connects intention within to action without; that integrates our thinking above to feelings below.

A flame demonstrates the connectedness of inspiration. It is given life by the vulnerability and compassion of wood; the flame which provides light and warmth has no existence of its own and is completely dependent on its source. The wood also realizes its living potential to reach out and provide life for the flame even though it willing transforms its existence. It literally goes out in a blaze of glory. The mutual dependance of heaven and earth; the mutual dependance of inspired human values and earthly duties.

When inspired, we willing open up our existence to our family, community and organizations. There is no felt loss of self and no buried resentments for our chosen actions. Our efforts seem to have an energy and life all their own. Focus takes on a relaxed quality akin to reading a great novel or engaging a quality film. Unlike our forced sense of discipline when we must or should do something that requires baring down when the effortless quality is lost. When effort rules the day, resentment, conflict and stress are not far behind. The legacy of our forefathers was the forbearance of pain and struggle. Today, transformation is much more than a luxury. It is a growing requirement of survival.