harness the power of inspiration

http://www.ted.com/

It’s inspiring to see passionate, fascinating people who are actively changing the world for the better.

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds… and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”

- Patanjali, physician and “founder” of yoga

1. Dress WELL. Tucked and pinned and belted, you carry yourself with confidence. And that will help you remain graceful in front of the meanest and scruffiest chauvinistic detective out there.

2. A cup of tea will calm any situation down. If nothing else it will give you something warm to wrap your hands around while you confess to murder.

3. Write! Just write. It’s not easy for her either.

4. It’s okay to miss your man. Admitting it doesn’t take away from your independence.

5. Your integrity will get you through the toughest situation. You might not get that check for million dollars being left to you in someone’s will unexpectedly, and everyone might be mad at you, but at least you look good (see #1) and you were honest.

6. Always have something on hand to serve with coffee ‘cause you never know when Doc Hazlitt will stop by.

7. Observing people, being empathetic, paying attention to the details, being concerned, watching, while being yourself, might help solve a crime! And at the very least, will make you a better writer.

saw some of her work this weekend in NY. I’d been meaning to check out the website for a while, but events lead to find her work in the course of life:

http://www.boygirlparty.com/
http://www.boygirlparty.com/wordpress/archives/83

In a yellow wood-shingled house in a seaside New England town, they made their home. He built a wooden cabinet before they met, and moved it into the living room. They found it was the perfect spot for her handmade books. The kitchen was tiny – that would not do. They knocked down a wall and made it half the house on the first floor! They cooked a huge meal, and invited friends over and that was their wedding.

Eight years later they still haven’t finished painting the walls, but the kitchen is even more homey. The dog sleeps in front of the wood stove. Cookbooks line all the shelves. They have friends over and make food out of their garden, homemade pickles, garlic mashed potatoes, berry pie, and grilled meats that they smoked out in their own yard.

Went to a reading for his new book, but of course it was the question and answer session at the end which was most inspiring. Brought me at least three things to consider:

1. The idea of tools for one’s craft, like the Clockmaker in the book. For a writer, the tools are what? Pencils and paper? Or more than that?

2. The idea of a workspace. Ondaatje says he has an office, which he goes, from about 9:30 – 3:30…how do I see my office space? Does it allow me to do all types of work? What could I do to use this space better? What about my home “office”...or other types of offices/workspaces?

3. From where do characters come? From the place/setting of the story? From the cultural norms of the society they’re in? etc. Different writers do it differently. How do I do it?!

I saw it again recently, and this time I felt it was relevant to anyone who wants to DO SOMETHING.

In New York, the two comedians meet, off-stage at one of the comedy clubs where they perform. Orny asks Jerry about working and whether he has any doubts. Of course he does. He asks, “do you ever wonder why you are doing this? And what to tell your friends, or your parents?”

What? Your parents? Jerry Seinfeld gives him the most incredulous look. And an inspired story, that illustrates in its most essential way, that if you want to do something, really do it, then you just do. Caring what other “people” think is preposterous. You are compelled to follow your instinct.

it’s just CHOCK full of creative energy :@

If there’s one near you – I recommend going. It’s inspiring to see how people have DONE what they’re passionate about (not just creating something for business/money/mindless choices).

I went this weekend and I’m still feeling inspired.

The fabulous and wise Tim Gunn (those of you who know, agree) said that inspiration won’t be found sitting and staring into space. “Go watch a movie, go take a walk….”

I’m inspired DAILY by the creativity of people on 43T, or of people around me, things I find on the net, books, movies, colors, feelings, happiness, adversity, etc. I want to channel this inspiration into my output.