The subtle art of inspiration

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” ― Maya Angelou

                       

A dear friend and creative mentor once told me that there were no new ideas, only authentic ways in which to share them. Many years later, another dear soul shared a wisdom with me about those that scream the loudest are either: 1) the most envious or 2) have the most to hide. Later, as I started walking deeper into my internal wildness, other inspirational folks shared with me strong guidance about becoming the person I was to be.

Way back in the early 90s I took a trip to Iowa. The whole event was sponsored by my already beleaguered credit card, and suggested by a woman reading tarot cards at a local "spiritual" convention. In short, I packed my bags, hopped on a plane, and met some strangers at the terminal. Clearly I survived, unless I've become a ghost and am living in the Otherworld as a human..

What I learned during my time there helped mold the person I am now, and if the Universe decided it was time for me to take another trip like that one, aka The Fool's Journey, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. In fact, there is nothing about my life that I would change - all the joys, the heart breaks, the silly decisions, etc. - everything would stay the same.

At a critical point in my life I chanced upon a fantastic soul. You all know him as Mr. The Mister, but for me he is so much more. When life gets to me, and I'm feeling small and out of place, he tiptoes in to bring me a cup of coffee. Truly, I am not always an easy person to understand, so when he steps out of his own comfort zone to help me, I know that there is real magic in the world. (note: we both do this for each other, and have a "knack" of knowing when the other needs a little boost in the world)

One of the teachings of Mr. The Mister was something we've all heard before: "Fake it 'til you make it." Each time he would say it, I'd just internally roll my eyes while smiling and saying thank you for his support. After a time, however, I could see a Universal Truth in this statement, and it is much like the thought of not having new ideas.

In short, it's okay to mimic those around you that appear to have what you want on the inside. Goodness knows I spent most of the 80s and 90s trying on various personality "outfits." At some point, though, it became very important to just be me - finding inspiration from my own inner library - and not worry so much about others.

Honestly, this has been one of the biggest lessons of my life. While I've given up learning about myself by imitating folks around me, I see those same patterns in others. With the advent of social media and easy technology, many of my words, and much of my art/creative work, has been "used" by those wishing to find their own Truth. (note: currently I am dealing with two persons that have used my creative work as their own - so don't be like those people. Imitation is one thing, theft of someone's being is another...) At first it sort of aggravated me. Didn't those folks know how hard it was for me to figure out who I was? Couldn't they just have their own set of good/bad experiences to draw from, and stop trying to be like me?

But...hadn't I just done the same thing? Wasn't I looking at others hoping their path would also be my own? Hadn't I just been faking it until I made it?

My point in writing today is this... If you are a young person starting out, it's okay to be inspired by others. Learn about their style, ask them questions about their life process, and honor the Journey they've taken. From there you can find your own way, a simple inspiration for the ideas that are speaking to you.

In short, be you - dance in the beauty that is your life.

Much love,
~ keu