Inspiration is indeed a funny thing. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. But when it comes, it is like a warm feeling, it is almost an enthusiasm. And it always, always surprises you. Inspiration comes when you surrender to your own nothingness. It takes you over and you only become aware of what has hit you after it is gone….
And I have found that a very easy and effective way to surrender to my own nothingness is to meditate. Hmm. Meditation. Ouch. Another of those highly charged terms. The simple mention of the word is enough to scare many people away. Usually associated with fantasy journeys, new age, and mystical traditions of the East, meditation is not at all what it may seem.
Meditation simply means to be aware. Aware of…whatever. If you’re sitting in front of a computer and know you are sitting in front of the computer, for example, you are aware of this fact and are thus meditating.
The great thing about awareness is that if you practice enough of it, you will end up feeling pretty relaxed. You will end up feeling pretty empty. You will feel inspired! And this is what surrendering to your own nothingness means.
Relaxation happens because when you are aware, you are here, now. And when you are here, now, your attention is not lost in past reminiscences or future expectations. When you are here, now, you are not caught up with your thoughts. Your mind is peaceful and in good working order—it is where it is meant to be.
When you are here, now, you become open to all kinds of wonderful things, including endless inspiration.
Inspiration is indeed a funny thing. Really. It does its own thing. And you’d better be ready for it when it comes. Inspiration is a muse waiting to be courted. It is always there, but you’ve got to be open to receive it. You’ve got to be empty to receive it. You cannot force it in...
