Inspiration does not just show up. It is already all around you.
What happens when we become inspired or that light bulb goes on is that we suddenly become aware of that which was sitting there simply waiting for us to take notice.
We become inspired and embark upon a creative activity when we step out of our daily routine and take the time to look at what is around us in a different way; in other words when we shift our perception from what usually occupies us to view it from another angle.
This can happen without our conscious effort and thus our feeling that we were inspired or it can happen through our own efforts.
We can develop the skills and habits that enable us to draw upon this force when required.
How do we do this?
We are creatures of habit and these habits allow us to get the mundane tasks of life accomplished in an efficient and timely manner. Unfortunately, we can also become trapped by habits and get locked into what is frequently called a rut or for some a writer’s or creative block.
We are stuck and no matter how hard we try, we stay stuck.
One exercise that I undertake to keep the ruts from wearing too deep is to seek out new foods to prepare; look for a recipe that I have not made and give it a try. It is in the trying that we learn and find insight and it really does not matter whether the recipe works. The process is the goal.
There is the first step towards liberating your creativity and having inspiration become your companion, process is what matters not the end result.
Another simple way to shift your perspective, change your point of view or break a rut is to alternate where you can your mode of transportation. The journey from point A to point B is different when you walk, ride, and take public transport or drive, for example. In addition, change your routes as often as possible.
This alters the input that your brain is receiving and may increase your chances of noticing something that you never noticed before.
When you step out your door and enter into the world use this as an opportunity to observe and interact with what is around you; do not simply pass through the journey because you are eager to get to your destination, take advantage of the journey and discover something new.
Pay attention to nature, however, it presents itself where you live; become familiar with the seasons, not just the weather but the plants and other beings that come and go as the seasons change; broaden your perspective. We are not alone on this planet and there is considerable happening, so stop and notice.
I was taking a design class some years back and the instructor was talking about perspective and a technique that she used to change hers.
What she did was bend down and look back through her legs; try it, but first consider your attire and where you are.
You may want to do this at home, in the backyard or your living room, although I do suggest that you give it a try, at least once in a public park, for example.
Another good technique for opening your creative process comes from a photography workshop that I took about 15 years ago. I still use it now and again.
Grab your camera and go into your backyard or if you do not have a backyard go to a park, mark off, a small 3 x 3 foot square and photograph all you see in that square.
Digital photography makes this much easier to do.
Read, read widely, go beyond your favourite genres and authors and explore other directions. The public library is a great source of books and while you are there take time to scan the newspapers and magazine, you never really know what will leap out and go Eureka!
Ask yourself questions and challenge your beliefs this can help you better define what you believe and who you are and can also open the doors to new ideas that inspire creative action.
Perhaps, the most important point after understanding that it is the process that matters is to accept that creativity is all about action. You need to be engaged; engaged in the world around you, a participant who observes not a voyeur, an actor who also watches.
It is this dual and involved role which can open your doors of perception through which a flood of new ideas and projects can flow.
Remember your muse will not come when you sit immobile or go through the day in a trance simply repeating actions that you have done so many times before you are not even aware of what you are doing.
Your muse has not fled, you have simply bored her to the point where she is taking a nap. Step out your door, open your mind and observe and you will find her.