Inspirational Living: What Does It Mean to Be Inspired?
by Rev. ReBecca Ames-Sala, Regular Contributing Author to Elegant Plus Magazine

 This month I will focus on what inspiration means and what inspires me.  In later columns, I hope to find out what inspires you. 

One of the best definitions for inspiration is “the act of drawing in.”  This can be interpreted in many different ways.  Inspiration is a creative force that allows people to achieve and create remarkable works, be it painting, writing poetry or music, creating a company or truly living one’s dream.  Inspiration can also be found by looking at what others have done in their lives.  I am inspired when I read about regular people living their lives to the fullest, creating change within their communities against incredible odds.

There is a spiritual quality to the word; to be inspired is to be in touch with the divine, a true drawing in of breath, beauty, an act of complete selflessness.  It is about finding the true essence of oneself, without all the labels and expectations that society places on us in our daily lives. 

 We live in a world today in which we are saturated with information coming at us from many different sources.  It is easy to feel guilty for even wanting to take some time to sit and just be, but taking that time is an important part of self-care.

 Below are the links to some of my favorite websites to offer you a little “inspiration break” while you are sitting at your desk feeling the need to relax for a moment. 

For a daily meditation:

• Daily OM

• Candles

• Deeshan

• Daily Zen

• Life Shaper

For more in-depth spiritual exploration:

• Of Spirit and Soul

• Belief Net

• Inspiration Peak

For a little bit of pet therapy:

• Best Friends.org

• San Diego Zoo Panda Cam

• Pet Finder

Or how about some art therapy:

• Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Art Renewal Center

• BBW Fine Art  Electronic Post Cards

If you are inspired to volunteer, but just do not know where to begin:

• Volunteer Match

• Dress for Success

• World Volunteer Web

In preparation for my next column, I would like to know about you, the readers and what inspires you each day.  What helps make you the person that you know you are inside and sustains you during the difficult times? What leaves you in awe?

 Is it volunteering?  Listening to music? Reading an especially good book that you just can’t put down?  A piece of artwork that leaves you moved?  All are ways to be inspired.  

 Until then…….

 Namaste (I honor the light within you) 

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