Allow Yourself to be Divinely Inspired

Do you ever feel inspired to do something creative?  Perhaps you feel the urge to create something, dance, sing, or melt into an art project. Creative expressions can be extremely joyful – they can relax our bodies, soothe our minds and help us feel more connected to our spirits, as well as to the Divine.  

To be “inspired” is to be in-Spirited!

Inspirations can not only move us to do creative things, they can produce amazing results. Artists, authors and athletes often talk about being in the “zone” or “flow” when their activity becomes nearly effortless and they do their best work. Regardless of how or why this happens, it feels so good it truly feels like Divine inspiration! Sometimes, after merging with this “zone” we try to figure out how it happened, so we can re-create it at will.

Other times, however, we approach a “creative project” with an agenda, time limit, self doubt and perhaps a load of other baggage (like an obsession to re-create that “zone”). In these cases, the creative endeavor feels task oriented, empty or even frustrating. Likely, the results aren’t so desirable either.  

Some of us may have turned our artistry into our profession. The pressure of making money from our creative work can instantly squeeze the joy right out of it. Yet, when it works – when time, space, and creative inspiration all come together with great results – the monetary rewards an added bonus since we are getting paid to do that which we love.

Whether you enjoy creative moments for your hobbies, or have relied on your creativity for your profession, here are ten suggestions for working with your creative impulses, rather than against them:

1. Delve into creative endeavors when the urge strikes and simply enjoy the task at hand.  Do what you can, when you can, and enjoy what you are doing in the moment.  
2. Take a minute to relax and set your intention to drop into that “zone” – perhaps you pray for God to work through you, or for Thy will to be done.
3. Release all expectations and your focus on the end result. To be in the “flow” means to be immersed in the creative energy – be fully present with it.
4. Create a supportive environment – gather the tools you need, play an inspirational CD, turn off your phone, get a babysitter, etc. – so you don’t have too many distractions.
5. Allow your creativity to have a pattern of ebb as well as flow. Remember to take breaks, eat, perhaps take a walk or go outside to rejuvenate yourself.
6. Avoid trying to tackle a creative project when you have a deadline or too many “have to’s” attached to it. Scale down your “project” or simplify what you are doing if time or resources are limited.
7. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. We are our own worst critics which (thankfully keeps our standards high, but) can bring so much attention to what we perceive as “not good enough” that we lose our enthusiasm.
8. Stop taking yourself too seriously! This can actually help us get out of our own way as we let the creative energies move through us, rather than think they are us.  We are often so worried about being judged that we become stifled.  Our seriousness and self-judgment can block our own creativity.
9. Find the appropriate avenue to share your work. In other words, don’t knit a wool scarf for Granny who hates wool and doesn’t like things around her neck! When we share our creativity in supportive environments, it boosts our confidence and brings us greater satisfaction.
10. Find a multitude of creative endeavors that bring you joy. This keeps the creative juices flowing in numerous directions; mixing things up keeps us interested and makes room for even more creativity to blossom!

Imagine yourself as an instrument of God, playing God’s music, then open your heart to allow Divine inspiration to flow through you.  With this kind of approach to creative projects – or even Life – you will discover this IS the flow, and soon whatever you do will become more effortless and joyful!

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