I’m looking for Inspiration… I know it’s here somewhere, where did I put it?

A painting created by an inspiring friend of mine, Nikki Galapon

When I have a mental block and don’t know what to do or what to write, I look for inspiration; which is defined as excitement of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity prompting action or invention. As a designer I’ve been trained to develop new and better creative ideas.

The easiest form of creation is imitation; but, copying others limits the insight you can receive, closing doors to the things that only you can create. Learning to trust your ideas will move you forward further and faster. Even if you like an idea, take it and create something brilliant that is 3-5 steps beyond the original idea!

When looking for inspiration it’s best to ask questions that are relevant to your own possibilities. Create what is nurturing and joyful for you. Trying to institute someone else's ideas often feels like a struggle. Instead, ask yourself what is this task truly needing, and go there!

That often means following your gut, because your gut is never wrong. Some people call it instinct, while others prefer the term intuition. You know what your particular situation requires and it is your task to find a relevant solution. You need to open your mind and explore. Innovation isn’t predictable.

Step one, brainstorm ideas – make them outlandish and improbable, you can rule out later. Two, just like kids, ask lots of questions: why, where, when, what, who, and how? Three, look at different aspects of a problem: facts, emotions, judgment/caution, logic, creativity and control. Four, look at the big picture. Sometimes we get hung up by the details and miss the overriding themes. Five, pick random concepts, words or pictures and try to tie them together. Six, share your ideas to get other perspectives. Seven, walk away. Let your mind clear and wander. Go outside, let peace and quiet energize you. Inspiration often comes without force.

Inspiration can also come from people. I was just watching the movie, “Selma” about Martin Luther King Jr. It is rare to have someone that inspiring in one’s life; but I am often inspired by the women in Sisterhood. Their creativity shows in many aspects of their participation with and around Ohev. The programs they create, the meals they prepare, the way they present themselves to those in need, and most definitely the way they come together to solve whatever problems arise.

It doesn’t matter where the inspiration comes from; but, it’s nice to know that you can find it when you need it.