Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unlikely of places, doesn’t it? It can come from a story we’ve read, a poem, a surprisingly funny joke, a friend, a long walk, an early night in bed with a cup of tea and a book or after a late night restlessly trying to find solace in sleep.
Last night I was on the hunt for inspiration when I went along to the Inspire Creativity talk featuring Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert, held at the Brisbane Powerhouse and presented by the Brisbane Writers Festival.
While Gilbert’s talk, about the magic of inspiration and the creative process, was the real reason I decided to venture out of the house last night, the desire to rekindle my creativity actually occurred before the event even began, as my friend and I waited for the theatre doors to open.
Waiting in line, we laughed about online dating and ordering English Breakfast tea from the bar, we even seemed to make the usher laugh as we congratulated ourselves for getting tickets to Brene Brown.
And then, all of a sudden, before we even made it into that theatre room, we both felt inspired. Inspired to write something, to see inspiration in simple moments and simple pleasures.
“I already have ideas for a blog,” my friend laughed.
We later took our seats and listened as Gilbert went on to describe her own experiences with inspiration and how to see the signs: the goosebumps, the hairs standing on end, that funny feeling that something must be done, be written down and poured out of us. That’s how I felt, following a simple but fun chat with a friend in the Powerhouse foyer.
It’s funny where inspiration comes from.
Hearing Gilbert’s talk allowed me to see inspiration clearly; when you feel inspired to write or create, get it out, write it down, because, as Gilbert said, that inspired feeling can quickly move on to someone else if it’s not being used.
What inspires your creativity? Let me know.
Agree with you completely! You have to be super “juiciosa” when it comes to writing down your thoughts and inspiration, I have lost so many due to timing and circumstances but managed to grab so many others just by being grumpy. Basically I have learned to say: “Sorry, I really have to write this now or I will forget it,” and the people who love me have learned to understand. And they know I don’t really mean that I will “forget it” but more terrifyingly, that I will lose the will to write it. The problem with creative people is that they feel embarrassed to show their artistic temperament because they worry they will look like they are showing off or playing a role. You wouldn’t think anything of it if a stockbroker said to you, sorry, have to run, the markets have collapsed in Japan or a vet said, sorry, have to flee, Mrs Marble’s cat has colic again… yet we are embarrassed to say, sorry, I can’t do this now, I have to write this story or I will lose it. I had to move countries to get the nerve to do that so I sympathise entirely! And I still have to force myself to say: “I’m a writer,” when people ask me what I do. I don’t know why we are all so ashamed of our trade!
Yes!! Thank you!! I’m going to make like a stockbroker the next time I have to bail because of a creative emergency. I’ll just let my friends and family know that that lunch date has to wait because some sort of divine force is working through me and needs my vessel urgently.
I’m not ashamed of the trade but I know what you mean, it’s hard devoting so much time and love and hours sitting alone at a desk when the people around you don’t really get it.
Exactly, but we should probably take responsibility for that – if we feel awkward about it then they will just react to us. That is why I have enjoyed Elizabeth Gilbert’s speeches so much, she is a bit of a patron saint of the anxious creative! Great blog!
It was really wonderful to get the chance to see her in the flesh. And thank you for stopping by, too. I really appreciate that. It’s always such a treat to read your take on things.
Surrender… my creative-side just comes alive when I can relax enough to surrender my thinking mind. I find that creativity comes to me when I’m in a conscious, present, and clear head space.
My creative juices are overflowing when I go away on an overseas holiday or even when I go to a new place/coffee shop/town. So for me the question is: how to stop the thinking mind? When I can truly achieve this, anything can be a source of creative inspiration 🙂
You’re so right, Leonie! I couldn’t agree more. That’s something I’d love to do more of, surrendering. To the creative process, to life. Thanks for your wise words. 🙂
…usually when I’m out running or on my bike with. I’ve since got a voice memo app on my iPhone that converts it to text and puts it in dropbox. Not always accurate but good enough. Great spot – the powerhouse – lived near there for a few years.
What a great idea! I’m not nearly as tech savvy. I’m finding inspiration usually comes to me while I’m running or in the shower. I find myself taking mental notes until I get my hands on a notebook.