Inviting Inspiration

Magical pathway in a magical forest

Whether you are a writer or whether your creativity takes some other form, inviting inspiration is key for you, as it is for me.

The best book I’ve read recently about the creative process is Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert. (Click here to read the article I wrote about it.) One of the ideas she touts is that ideas “knock” on the door of your awareness, and if you don’t answer by taking action on it, that idea will eventually leave you and go knock on someone else’s awareness.

This means two things: One—ideas are knocking if you are listening, and Two—it’s important to grab hold and take action if it engages your desire, before you lose the idea to someone else.

Only lacking the Jolly Roger anchored in the inlet!

Inviting inspiration means making regular listening space. When do ideas come to you? What are you usually doing when you hear them? Sometimes ideas come while I’m writing, but even more often, ideas come when I am doing a mindless activity like cleaning or weeding, etc. My favorite “listening” activity is walking, and when I’m inviting inspiration, I choose to walk in beautiful, soulful places.

This past weekend I went walking in my favorite place: it’s a forest on a bluff over water that embodies the Neverland, whole, healed, and magical. I’m including some pictures so they can invite inspiration for you, too!

Wishing you happy listening, and joyful, committed action on the creative ideas you choose!

Once upon a time, a Giant!