Balanced Life Part IV: Inspiration

Balanced Life Part IV: Inspiration

We now add the idea of Spiritual Inspiration to the first three elements of living a balanced life:  The Physical, The Mental, and the Emotional.

In this context, inspiration refers to a time when we were engaged in something that actively lifted us beyond our present circumstances.  Most of us can readily think of activities that lift our spirit.  Ideas from which we receive a boost.  To achieve balance, live in a way in which we feel our best, we must carve time and energy space for inspiration.

We tend to not view inspiration as a necessity, however, it is an essential component to a balanced life.  We are designed as spiritual beings.  The God within us needs attention.  True inspirations energizes us and fulfills our being.  We need something bigger than ourselves to which we are connected–a  small part of a larger whole.

Below is a short list of common sources of inspirational energy.  I encourage you to create a specific list of your own and visit it often.

• Nature
• Literature
• Music
• Art
• Friends
• Heroes
• Service to others
• Worship
• Meditation/Prayer
• Yoga/Chi Gong

We may hike ten miles on a mountain trail or simply place a fresh rose on our bathroom sink; read a classic novel or a comic strip; listen to violin concerto or dance The Twist.  Call a friend from high school or take a grandchild for an ice cream cone; watch a biography on Picasso or listen to our favorite TED Talk.  We may volunteer at a food pantry or read to a child; attend a church service or listen to Elvis sing hymns.  Inspiration comes to each of us in our own, unique fashion.  It is up to us to invite it into our day.

Next week:  The final blog post on the balanced life, Social.