AN INSPIRED THOUGHT
Since 1996 I have been writing inspirationally – that is, a thought comes into my mind and I sit and write… this is often called 'stream of consciousness' writing. Most of what I write is about healing ourselves from the negative attitudes and misperceptions that can make us so unhappy and discontented with life – so we can find the beauty within each one of us, learn to celebrate our life and be a positive force for good in this magnificent world.
What is an inspired thought? It is an idea, or the answer to a question or problem, that seems to drop into our mind from nowhere. We may think, ‘Where did that come from?’ They can be true revelations, or ‘light-bulb moments’. Inspired thoughts and ideas seem to come from a different place from our general thoughts. They may be a single word, a phrase or a name; they may come in the form of a song or a line from a poem, a picture in our mind’s eye or a feeling. All the senses are involved in inspiration. Inspired thoughts are positive, uplifting and helpful, even as they may give a warning or a gentle nudge to do things differently. Higher guidance never tells us what to do but advises, bringing wise insight and new perspectives.
There are many theories about where those thoughts and ideas originate; perhaps they are often from a finer, higher, wiser part of our own Self. They may come from other intelligences that have tapped into our consciousness. Many people believe in angelic guidance and spirit communication - I certainly do. Artists, poets and writers since far back in history have spoken of 'The Muse'. Inspiration comes from many sources…
Inspired thoughts can easily be lost in a mind full of the ‘stuff’ of busy lives and cluttered minds, yet inspired, intuitive ideas and ‘brainwaves’ occur to us all. Inner guidance that could help so much is often lost amongst thoughts of what needs doing next, what happened yesterday, last week, last year; who said what and why, and on and on… With children to get to school, work, appointments to keep, houses to clean, relationships to nurture, our lives can be relentless. To link in to inspiration we need to take time out, stop doing and practice being.
To tune in to inspiration the TV and radio need switching off, so we can be aware of the ‘still, small voice within’. Inspired thoughts can be accessed through meditation or contemplation (day-dreaming) and often occur in the early hours between sleep and wakefulness. In that drowsy, relaxed state, listen inwardly before the everyday thoughts crowd in, drowning inspired thoughts out. A wise intelligence works through us all and can be a source of great help and comfort.
My ‘inspired writings’ are sometimes my own musings, but many times the language, tone and style is different from my own. They are ‘inner dictation’, written to me and through me, rather than from or by me. I am the scribe. It is fascinating and still amazes me. I have received so much help and healing and so have others with whom I have shared them.
I hope you enjoy the inspirations you find on the pages of this website. They are offered as food for thought. May they bring upliftment and encouragement to you, to help you to heal and be the best that you can be - your true and authentic, inspirational Self.
ãJan Hunneybell, 2008
The following may be of interest for those who want to try to do some inspired writing themselves:-
What is Inspirational Writing?
When working with inspirational writing as a spiritual practice you are consciously working with ‘God’ in whatever form or name you believe the Creator or Higher Power to be, and guides, angels, loved ones and/or your own higher self. You will be aware of the thoughts that come into your mind before or when you write them down. You have the power and are in control of the process, because whilst the energies of the spirit world give you the inspiration - whether words, ideas or images - you are the one with the pen or computer so the words only get written with your permission.
The angels and guides love working with us in this way. They enjoy communicating with us and are thrilled when they make contact. We can ask questions and get answers and be actively involved with what is coming through. A lot of of trust is needed in the process, but when you find such interesting, beautiful or poetic thoughts or even challenging notions coming into your mind, you will find it to be a fascinating process. You might say, as I have, “But what if it’s only me, what if it’s just my imagination?” Not a problem - you have a right to be heard! But guess what? The chances are that it’s a higher, wiser part of you – and your imagination is a necessary part of the process. My own writing, for example business letters and mundane things that the guides aren’t interested in, are a lot harder to write than some of the beautiful and wise things that gush forth when it’s not ‘just me’!
It is always wise to start a writing session with a thought to the guides and the Universe, sending out love and requesting guidance and protection. You might like to use a prayer or visualize white or golden light around you to create the right energy and shift you into ‘writing mode’. When an interesting thought or image occurs, one of those “Where did that come from?” moments, writing what you are experiencing is a form of inspirational writing. If the thoughts keep repeating in your mind, it may be your guide trying to get your attention.
The ability to write inspirationally can be initiated or enhanced through visualisation and meditation. This will help you to be calmer and clearer and put you in a slightly altered state of awareness and receptivity, then it’s easier to access the inspiration and for the guides to access you. How it happens will be slightly different for everyone. Don’t compare yourself with others. The more pleased you can be at other people’s progress and success, the more you will progress yourself. Envy or despondency can hold you back. We all progress at different rates. It’s not a competition; you are doing this for yourself. It is for your own benefit - yet it may someday also benefit others.
When you finish your preparatory meditation, sit quietly for a few moments with eyes closed, be still and peaceful and you may become aware of a thought or a memory stirring, a phrase or a picture beginning to take form. Then start writing! Some people are visual, some hear, others sense or feel. Whatever comes into your mind, write it down. Some people may get a stream of words or poetry, maybe a song, others may have just a word or two pop into their mind - or a picture, a feeling, a memory, a taste or smell. Write or draw what comes to you and then wait peacefully and patiently to see if there’s any more.
If you feel blocked and don’t have any thoughts coming to you, begin to write about what you may have seen, sensed, heard, felt, tasted, touched or smelled in your meditation, for when you actually start writing, more thoughts may come to you. If you didn’t experience anything in meditation, felt agitated or confused, write that down. For example, if you think, “I feel empty, (or blank, silly, sad or angry etc.)” write that thought down - then let the next thought drift into your mind. It might be, “I don’t want to be here”. The word, “Why?” may come next, so answer it. “Because everyone is doing better than me.” Write it down. The next thought may be a question, such as “Is that true?” or “Why does that matter?” You may need to express some of your own negative stuff before you can let the good stuff come through. Your angels may be prodding you to heal some important issues before giving you information on more universal themes.
If you are ever doing this process and feel negative energy other than your own wanting to express things that you don’t like or don’t want, remember that you are in control. (This has never happened to me or anyone I have taught, but it is a slight possibility.) Put down your pen, get up and do something practical and active. Call upon the light and your angels and guides to clear the energy, then wait until you are in a higher, more positive frame of mind before attempting this kind of writing again, but don’t get caught up in fear. Trust in your higher guidance and call on that guidance to help you. Writing, even your every-day stuff, is a great way to help yourself. Keep a journal, get your thoughts down on paper. The more you write, the more it will flow. Happy writing! I hope it gives you as much joy as it has given me.