WHAT IS AN ASPIRATION?
Aspirations represent all of the things we want in life. We are told to set “goals” so that we can achieve our “aspirations”. Aspirations can be things we aspire to obtain, positions we aspire to hold, wealth we aspire to achieve, or relationships we aspire to develop. A person who doesn't have any aspirations might be considered apathetic, boring, lazy, or devoid of motivation. Most people would believe that having aspirations are a good thing, because they motivate us to greater achievement, but, as you’ll soon see, inspirations are potentially even more important than aspirations. In fact, aspirations might be more like a psychological trap than a light at the end of the tunnel.
WHAT IS AN INSPIRATION?
Unlike aspirations, which are related to something “out there” and separate from our current experience, inspiration comes from within, during our present moment of awareness. Inspirations are not something we seek through a variety of actions out in the world, but rather they are formed from a sudden idea that is capable of propelling us toward an action we had not considered before.
Inspirations are by definition something original from inside of us. Inspiration comes at a particular moment in time, and gives us the opportunity to take an action, or simply hold that thought and enjoy the peace and excitement it provides. When we live our life based around inspirations instead of aspirations, we might be very surprised by the positive outcomes that follow.
DO YOU WANT YOUR LIFE TO BE FULL OF INSPIRATION OR ASPIRATION?
When we have an aspiration, we are accepting the idea that we are in lack. There is something “out there” that we do not yet have. An aspiration can cause us to feel dissatisfied about who we are right now, because we haven’t achieved this or that. An inspiration is different – it makes us feel good right now in this moment. An inspiration is not something we don’t have, it is something we just had, or are in the process of experiencing.
A life full of inspiration is rewarding because we are the originators – nothing in the world can take away our inspirations, and there is no possibility of failure. Inspiration, on its own, does not give us anything to “try for” and nothing to “stress us out”. It is only when we convert inspirations into aspirations that we can devalue our current state into a state of lack, and since this moment is the only moment we will ever have. Thus, it is important to understand whether we are in a state of inspiration or aspiration.
SHOULD WE POLITELY DISCARD OUR ASPIRATIONS OR DO THEY ALSO SERVE A BENEFICIAL PURPOSE?
My view is that by following inspiration, we do not require aspiration. If I had an aspiration, it would be to live in a constant state of inspiration, or at least, continually increase the amount of inspiration that I am capable of producing.
HOW DO WE GENERATE INSPIRATION?
My favorite time to feel inspiration is right before bed while I am lying there trying to go to sleep. I think this is because I enter into a state where there is “nothing left to do”. I have resigned myself to go to sleep, so any extra time I spend laying here is time my mind is allowed to flow freely without any distractions. Occasionally I will feel inspired throughout the day also, but often daily required tasks can sap my inspiration. Certainly, first thing in the morning would be a great time to garner inspiration.
INSPIRATION DOESN'T REQUIRE EFFORT, BUT IT DOES REQUIRE EFFORTLESSNESS
An inspiration is most effective when it enters into a silent mind. Like a stone that is dropped into a calm lake, the ripples carry outward unobstructed. However, drop that same stone into a tumultuous ocean, and the ripples will be absorbed into the chaos and go unnoticed. Likewise, inspirations represent a frequency that our consciousness sends out to the Universe. For that frequency to be felt and have an impact beyond our current moment in time, our mind and connection must be clear and intact. Inspiration does not come from any amount of effort, other than the effort it takes to remain silent and focused. For some people, remaining silent and focused requires a lot of effort, but really, it is the most effortless state we can have.
I think the goal should be to hold some level of inspiration about everything we do. Inspirations do not have to be ground breaking discoveries, but, usually come from simply listening to a mind that is empty of distractions. Any activity that calms the mind, like exercise, yoga, or mediation can improve our level of inspiration.
How To Avoid “Poisoning” Your Inspirations
The mainstream media can often poison for our inspirations. If our inspiration is like a seed that requires fertile soil to grow into a plant, the majority of media, television, radio, etc. would be the poison that squashes it. The mainstream media tends to breed fear, uncertainty, and the illusions of status and material desires. Most media breed aspirations but usually do not breed inspiration. Of course, there are exceptions, and if you are paying attention, you can tell the difference between something that is causing you to feel inspired vs. something that is causing us to aspire. People in our lives can often poison our inspirations by doubting our idea. It is very important to pay attention to which people make you feel inspired and which cause you to aspire, invite the former into your life and try to defend yourself against the latter.
Sometimes, something that someone else says or does will inspire me. It is OK to be inspired by someone else’s idea, as you can expand on it, add your idea and energy to it, and help that idea expand and grow in the field of consciousness. The important thing is to give your attention to those things that inspire you, and “turn off” anything that doesn’t. I hope this article inspires you to get inspired!
The Connection Between Imagination and Inspiration
Usually, inspirations are an idea or an imagination, however, rather than turning that idea into an aspiration and make it into something you don’t have, I prefer to hold on the inspiration and maintain that as something I do have. The feeling of “having” is far preferable than “not having” as we attempt to find peace within ourselves in this moment right now.
Our society and culture have made us doubtful or even resentful toward our imagination, which is often the seed of inspiration. They say “you are imagining things” as though imagination is some kind of mistake or some worthless activity. Yet, everything we create begins with imagination, and creation is one of the most powerful experiences we can have. The buildings you see, the car you drive, indeed, all of nature, began as an imagination. If you want something in life, start with your imagination.
What about you? What inspires you? Do you focus on aspirations or inspirations? Do you think it would be beneficial to value inspiration instead of aspiration? Can they co-exist?
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