A LITTLE INSPIRATION GOES A LONG WAY

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

“Inspiration cannot be willed, although it can be wooed.” —Anthony Storr

A  GIFT THAT GIVES ALL YEAR   

Each year, in what has become our annual ritual, my sister asks, “What do you want for a Christmas gift?” and each year I reply, “The Zen Page-A-Day Calendar.” She feigns surprise, but I think she is more intrigued by the sameness of my answer and wonders why I find the calendar so appealing.

The calendar has many pleasing features. For example, it promises to “Open your mind every day to a fresh perspective. A moment of enlightenment or powerful truth to inspire contemplation.” Most days of the year, it fulfills that promise. Through its concise sayings, parables, meditations, and haiku, I enjoy wisdom from ancient sages and modern thinkers who inspire me to consider new perspectives and possibilities. In the few seconds it takes to read the daily messages, their tidbits of inspiration generate pleasurable feelings and exalting insights that I find appealing.

THE VALUE OF MICRO MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION

When we inspire air from our physical environment, we take in vital oxygen that enlivens and enriches our bodily systems. Similarly, when we take in inspiring stories, poems, art, and music, we engage with vital new ideas and expanded concepts that enliven our moods, enrich our thoughts, and enhance our well-being. What’s surprising is how easily these rich benefits can be attained through brief exposures to inspirational content from sources like a Page-A-Day calendar. With consistent and repeated exposures, the benefits are multiplied.

The ability to direct our thoughts to positive content, ideas, and information is a much needed and useful skill in today’s environment of distraction and discontent. Having an accessible, easy, and quick way to do this makes building and maintaining this skill more feasible. An added benefit is that when our thoughts are focused on positive content, they are less likely to be drawn to negative content that is prevalent and depleting.

SOURCES ABOUND

We can intentionally incorporate micro moments of inspiration into our daily experience through numerous print, electronic, and other sources that are readily available to us. Some of my favorites come from the “Uplift” section of our local newspaper, Yung Pueblo’s short poems, and captivating images that our local art museum includes in its weekly newsletter. All we need to do is look around and pay attention to find these and many other sources of inspiration.

LITTLE EFFORT, BIG REWARD

Inspiration generates pleasurable feelings. It moves us toward creativity and action, encourages positive mindsets, and redirects our attention away from the draining influence of negative information. It is hard to imagine a better example of how a little effort—made consistently over time—can yield such big rewards.

Easy access to support for learning how to include micro moments of inspiration in our daily experience can be found in the High Health Network, which offers many ways to enjoy more positivity and well-being in our lives. If you or your company want effective methods for enhancing well-being in your lives, contact us to find out more.

Joyce M. Young, MD, MPH
Managing Director, Advanced Wellness Systems
Lead Expert for the High Health Network

Photo by Andrew on Pexels

“Inspiration is the greatest gift because it opens your life to many new possibilities. Each day becomes more meaningful and your life is enhanced when your actions are guided by what inspires you.” —Dr. Bernie S Siegel  

Sincerely,

Your colleagues at Advanced Wellness Systems