The Spark and the Breath: Seeking Inspiration in Stillness
Lisa Richey's message at Holy Cross encouraged finding renewal in chaotic times through simple acts of creativity, like doing something new each week, as a way to reconnect with one's inner spark. Reflecting on this, Rev. Anne explores the dual meaning of “inspiration”—as both divine breath and creative energy—and invites others to consider how honoring that breath can lead us to deeper motivation, joy, and creative purpose.
Rev. Anne Abdy
This past Saturday Holy Cross was blessed to have Lisa Richey present to facilitate a discussion on faith in these frazzled times. A number of quotes struck me, especially this one: “Do something new each week.” This past week she made Jello for the first time in her life! She talked about how to let go of the chaos and stresses of life to then open oneself to the creative forces within.
This led me to think about the days when I have no inspiration. No sparks. When that happens usually it is followed by a lack of motivation. That of course is a slippery slope in itself as the desire to exercise wanes, reading turns to being a couch potato watching news channels in these difficult and uncertain times.
In searching for inspiration, the definition of the word “inspiration.”[1] The first definition is probably the obvious. “It is the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.” The second definition is also obvious. “It is the drawing in of breath; inhalation.”
In the Genesis stories, we read of God breathing in to Adam the breath of life. If God is our life force, how do we honor God for the breath of life both in the Word and in the act of breathing? For it is in the breath of God that we were created and we are creative beings. As I took a deeper dive into the topic of inspiration, I came upon this article, “What is inspiration and why is it so important? Understanding where inspiration comes from can help you to harness it when it strikes,”[2] It suggests that one can be inspired by listening to music, reading a book, physical activity/movement, speaking with people, or watching a movie. The benefits of doing such activities is that one’s productivity is boosted, and amazingly enough but also obvious, one is happier when unlocking the key to creativity.
Knowing that we are God’s creative beings, how do you tap into your creativity? What inspires you to get creative?
[1] Oxford Dictionary Online
[2] Steve Hogarty, What is inspiration and why is it so important? Understanding where inspiration come from can help you to harness it when it strikes, 8/18/2022, www.weworks.com, https://www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/creativity-culture/what-is-inspiration-and-why-is-it-so-important
Blessings,
Rev. Anne