It is my practice each year to select a word to guide my year. This week my students and I have been talking about and selecting a One Little Word. Last year I selected Embrace. The word Inspire has been tugging at me for a few years. I finally stopped resisting it.
If you follow my blog, you know that I am posting a photo each week as a writing prompt. Last week I posted a photo from Ann Sutton, a Methodist minister. Fran Haley took this prompt and wrote an amazing spiritual poem on her blog. I drew Ann’s attention to Fran’s poem on Facebook Messenger. Ann shared the post and asked Fran’s permission to read the poem in her sermon. Wow! Inspiring writing that inspires a beautiful connection beyond my reach.
I’ve started an accountability group for The Artist’s Way. Perhaps you remember the book. Julia Cameron leads you on a journey back to your essence of creativity through writing exercises and artist dates. Morning pages is a component that I am trying. Trying is the operative word here. My hope is that by releasing the tied up knots of stuff through regurgitation on the blank page, I will inspire more creativity in myself. I do believe that creativity is a spiritual practice. It’s not reserved for a select few; however, like the Holy Spirit, creativity is available to all of us, even me.
This first week of 2021 has been filled with shocking events. Along with everyone else, I am mournful. But I am also hopeful. Our country witnessed rock bottom yesterday. Let’s make today the beginning of our collective climb up and out. We can inspire hope and love. Join me in a resolution to Inspire, breathe new life into the world.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, you’re an inspiration on so many levels. For me, it’s like you cannot help inspiring! I cannot even imagine where this word will take you since you “stopped resisting” it. I have The Artist’s Way and it’s powerful for inviting creativity and deepening it – yes, creativity is spiritual. We are designed to desire it, to be creative. Writing is spiritual. Thank you again for being a conduit of the Spirit, and creativity, and inspiration. I treasure all the connections you foster, such as that with Ann and her beautiful, beautiful prayer candle photo. I am deeply grateful for that and for your words about my poem, and for your sharing it. That invitation in your last line: “Join me in a resolution to Inspire, breathe new life into the world” – here’s my RSVP. Count me in. ❤
Margaret: Thank you for this post and the reminder that with each breath we breathe, we take in the new and let out the old. We start afresh. You and your practice have inspired me. Thanks again.
Great choice! You inspire me regularly! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
I should add that the connections you describe illustrate one of the things I love most about poetry and literature in general – the way it creates a giant conversation – the Great Conversation – across space and even time. It connects us in beautiful ways. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
I love the word inspire. You and your writing inspire me! I am grateful for the Thursday poetry prompts. I haven’t gotten around to today’s yet. The last 24 hours have kind of rocked my world. I had two computer screens going at the same time and still couldn’t capture all that was going on. I also love the permission and encouragement to consider creativity spiritual. Hooray! Seriously, this is a new way of thinking for me. And, it is good. Happy New Year. I’m looking forward to inspire!.
Love the invitation you extended to inspire hope and love and breathe new life into our world. I’m sure we’ll be inspired by your journey throughout this year. It’s a blessing to share words together and encourage one another to be better. Here’s to new life in our world and signing up to be join in. You inspire us, Margaret!
Margaret, I see that I did not finish my comment to you. I thought I did but the past few days have been so hectic. We traveled to VA for my new bedroom set delivery and my granddaughter’s first birthday. Your word inspire is a wonderful choice for your journey this year. There are so many facets of your personal and professional life that be enhanced this year as your creativity raises to a new level of inspiration. This statement, “Join me in a resolution to Inspire, breathe new life into the world,” is so right for these days. I have been praying that the country will heal. It is a great hope for 2021 and I will join in. (I am sorry that my comment was not sent out right away but I did read your post for SJT on Thursday while we were driving done to VA.