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When last did you feel inspired? And can you create inspiration within yourself rather than waiting – and hoping it’ll descend, lightning-like, into your life from an outside source?

Long ago, inspiration meant “to breathe into” or “to fill with life”. Later, it came to have a sacred connotation: “to be filled with Spirit”. Today when we speak of being inspired, we usually mean that someone or something has stirred and motivated us to think, act or feel differently.

In many cultures, breath is held to be much more than just the “breath in; breath out” experience of gaseous exchange. Ancient writings on healing talk about the breath as being the conduit of our life energy, and the imprinting river of our emotions and thoughts. When life feels dull or uninspiring, perhaps the thoughts and beliefs we’re choosing could be the cause?

It’s easy to stay stuck and believe that we have limited choice, but the reality is that we have the ultimate freedom: That of being able to select the thoughts we think, and the beliefs we hold. We can choose to inspire ourselves and believe that what we seek is possible.

When we are open to possibility and our hearts and minds become receptive, we find that inspirational people, experiences and stories are all around us. These become even more powerful once we’ve accessed inspiration within ourselves.

Try this exercise: think of an aspect of your life you’d like to change for the better. You may want to bring more kindness for those around you into your life; to enhance your performance academically, on the sports field or at work; you may want to find courage in the face of adversity.

You could choose any aspect at all. Now think of three people you would consider teachers or guides, who in some way exemplify the success you’re aiming for.

Your teachers or guides may be living or not; man, woman or child; mythological or real. They could be anyone at all: a friend you love and respect; a sports star; a spiritual leader; a character from a movie or a novel. Think of the qualities they possess that serve as an example to you, and then think of one question you would ask them about the aspect of your life you’d like to change.

Close your eyes, and imagine yourself standing before each person in turn. Perhaps you visualise them clearly, seeing what they’re wearing and the environment they’re seated or standing in. Perhaps you only have a sense of them and can’t see them at all – that’s okay, too. Ask each of your three guides your question, and allow each of them to answer in their own way.

You may be surprised at what you hear or see, and at how perfectly the inspiration you receive fits what you need to know right now. Breathe it in, and consider how you could make this guidance part of your life … you may not be aware of how many people are looking to you for inspiration!

Sharon Lee Plaskitt is a Complementary Health practitioner of various supportive modalities including CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, Neuro-Lingusitic  Programming and Hypnotherapy.  She has a special interest in the development of human potential; and finds great joy in supporting others as they make positive, empowered shifts in the different facets of their lives.