INSPIRATION

Written By vijay sridharan

Inspiration is the enthusiasm aroused when we are intellectually or emotionally stimulated to do something, most often a creative act. Inspiration is what gives us sudden, new ideas. And it makes us feel connected to something beyond ourselves.

Ways of nurturing your openness to inspiration

  • Have a stretch of quiet time each day.

  • Create new neural pathways in the brain by doing the same things differently. Take a new route to work. Try a new cuisine.

  • Give yourself permission to make something really badly.

  • Read books on topics you know nothing about. 

  • Daydream.

  • Listen to Elizabeth Gilbert’s Calm Masterclass called Creative Living Beyond Fear.

Self-reflection

What environments do I find most inspiring? How can I spend more time there?

““Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
”
— Elizabeth Gilbert
 
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About Calm Cards 
About Calm Cards 

We created these cards as a way to intentionally cultivate the qualities that support us in showing up for ourselves and others, in ways that feel nourishing and meaningful. 

We encourage you to engage with the Calm Cards in whatever way feels best. Here are a few ways that we love to use them:

  • Pick a card in the morning to set an intention for the day

  • Pick a card on a Sunday to set an intention for the week

  • Pick a card on the first day of the month to set an intention for the month

  • Pick a card when you’re feeling stuck, to see what happens when you infuse more of that quality into your day

  • Pick a card when you’re struggling with another person to explore what qualities might bring more ease into your relationship

  • Pick a card and use it as journaling prompt

  • Pick a card and use it in your meditation practice

  • Pick a card to use with a partner or group — like a book club, but an intention club; connect daily or weekly or monthly and share your experiences

  • Send a card to a friend who may need some inspiration

Check out the entire collection of Calm Intentions here.

Pick another Calm Intentions card here.

We’ve also put all of the cards in a lovely booklet for you to use as a mindfulness tool, a journal full of inspiration for your practice. Download the Calm Intentions Journal here!


vijay sridharan
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