Yesterday I wrote a blog about Inspiration and what it is. I did so from my WP interface. I pushed the “publish” button and kissed my post goodbye. It didn’t get posted nor did I have a copy of it anywhere. This is the disturbing part of learning. We can never get everything right as we start a new venture. Truth is…we won’t get everything right long into the endeavor. I have now developed some new strategies which should protect from the loss of content.
So that gets me back to the concept of yesterday: What is Inspiration? I went to dictionary online and here’s what I found for the definition:
in·spi·ra·tion
? ?[in-spuh-rey-shuhn]
noun
1. an inspiring or animating action or influence: I cannot write poetry without inspiration.
2. something inspired, as an idea.
3. a result of inspired activity.
4. a thing or person that inspires.
5. Theology .
a. a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.
b. the divine quality of the writings or words of a person so influenced.
Do you see a pattern? The definition contains the word being defined. When I grew up that was called a circular definition and considered invalid. So perhaps we will need to strike off in a new direction on this quest. I’m going to move ahead.
The word inspiration comes from the root inspire. The root of this word (spire) means either spirit or breath.
Inspire therefore has two definitions which are related. First is the meaning to in-spirit someone. It is the word or action that lifts someone’s spirit or continence and brings hope into the person’s life. The use of the term inspire in this context is the meaning most accepted and understood. It is helping someone else see beyond where they presently are. In connection with this definition of inspire is the belief that people can actually be in-spirited by another spirit. In the case of Christian belief, there is the understanding that the Holy Spirit (God) actually takes up residence in the believer. So to in-spirit is either to help lighten someone’s load so he/she can have his/her spirit lifted or it is to help another welcome the Spirit of God, then again it could be both. Here I must say that not all who read this blog will believe as I do. I am not trying to force agreement only to give explanation.
The second meaning for inspire is the medical or technical definition. Inspire simply means to inhale oxygen so every cell in the human body (and any kind of animal, plant or microorganism) can be nourished and strengthened and have waste products removed.
I see the word inspire to combine both definitions. As we breathe into our spirits the hope of the future in this life and/or the life beyond we begin to cleanse needless waste products from our souls and spirits like worry, apathy, greed, fear, rage, lust, guilt, etc. With this idea for the verb inspire lets now move back to the noun inspiration.
Inspiration is the reality of being in a state of having our souls and spirits drained of needless waste products such as those in the above paragraph. Inspiration is what I plan, desire, and pray to bring as I write for those who will read. Inspiration is what I hope all who follow this blog will receive and practice on your own. This is the reason the blog is titled The Inspirational Coach. I am focused on the big picture and the deep picture.
I believe that if the big picture is kept in focus and the deep work in your souls and spirits is done then smaller things like career, money, job, college, sports, etc. will naturally flow from an inspired core. So, stick around. Come back. Tell others.
Thanks,
Steve