Where to look for inspiration? Psychologist Irina Maslova believes that it is everywhere around us. We learn to look for an additional resource in childhood memories, in nature, surrounding people and things.
We are all different. Sensory people draw resource and inspiration from sports — they are happy when their body feels good. It is important for visuals to see the beautiful — to visit a museum or look at reproductions, photographs. Some are filled with listening to their favorite music, while others are filled with communication with people, contacts, the exchange of human warmth.
A step into childhood, into pleasant memories, will help you understand what you need. We were all small, we dreamed of growing up and fulfilling our dreams. In childhood, there were charged “capsules” of hope, faith and love that can be unpacked, and they will help you live every day, experiencing inspiration. Let’s discuss how to do it.
The words «parental home» evoke positive associations in almost everyone. What are the first three warm, warming memories or feelings that come to your mind or heart right now? It can be love, care, tender mother’s hands, delicious pancakes or pancakes, fun, celebration, perhaps pleasant smells.
Write down three positive associations, try to remember three childhood stories associated with them: you were small, and the trees were big, and you knew for sure that everything was fine with you, you were loved. Try to remember in colors pleasant experiences when you were sure that you were taken care of. All the most resourceful answers are right here! Do you like to knit or embroider? Do it. If you enjoyed digging in the ground, transplant a flower or just feel the soil in your lawn. Wanted to play the guitar — try to learn, at least watch a few video lessons.
Take pictures of your parents, pictures of you when you were a kid — remember how funny you looked, how young mom and dad were. Viewing children’s photos inspires us. Now look from the outside at your little self — a child who at that moment was happy, surrounded by care, felt support. You can imagine that your parents (mom or dad) are holding your hands. Such «returns» to childhood have a calming effect on us — anxiety passes, the inner emptiness is filled, a warm feeling appears in the chest, a feeling of liberation.
As part of the therapy process, devote a few hours or a whole day to your little one — try to reproduce an inspiring event that will help you actualize positive emotions. It can be a walk in the park, watching an old cartoon that once turned out to be a resource for you. You can listen to songs or cook a dish from your childhood.
Practice self-care practices. My favorite example is the heroine of the Soviet cartoon “Nedoboyukannya”. Remember this one? Let me remind you: Marusya was tired and irritated because she was not bothered. The husband made a big cradle, put Marusya there and began to cradle. Everything ended well! Sometimes we are far from being inspired, because we need exactly this infant «snubbing». The technique is very simple: imagine that you are holding a child in your arms — a small you. Swing back and forth for a couple of minutes — such movements calm and give a positive impulse, inner liberation. You can look at yourself in the mirror, touch your cheeks, stroke your hair, say: “You can do it. You’re doing fine! Everything works out for you.»
And another exercise for inspiration: take a notebook, make a list of 50 items — write down everything that has ever filled you and fills you. Nature, loved ones, the world around you, activities that bring you a sense of pleasure. Read this list slowly and thoughtfully in the morning. Keep notes in which you thank yourself for good deeds and successes — not only list positive results, but describe emotionally using epithets: how beautiful, courageous, decisive I am. So we regain our support, increase our self-confidence.
Bringing yourself back into your most resourceful memories is a very good skill. If this is not childhood, then perhaps some kind of your big victory, your personal holiday — in the process of memories, warm, pleasant sensations, joyful emotions should appear in your chest. Take this joy and, like a thread, stretch it into today — take a couple of deep breaths and exhalations, as if placing positive emotions inside yourself. This will also help you tune in to new thoughts, feel inspired and desire to move towards new achievements.
IRINA MASLOVA’S INSPIRATION RECIPE: Pancakes from Mom
Servings: 4
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: medium
Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 Art. l. Sahara
150 ml of milk
2 Art. l. flour
1 Art. l. olive oil
1 hours. L. lemon juice
any berries for garnish
Method of preparation:
Separate the whites from the yolks. Combine the yolks with sugar, milk and sifted flour. Blend until smooth and add olive oil.
Beat the whites with lemon juice until stable peaks and gently fold into the dough, mixing with a spatula from the bottom up.
Heat up the pan. Pour in the dough with a ladle so that it is evenly distributed over the bottom. Cook the pancakes for a couple of minutes until bubbles appear, then flip and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer to a plate.
Garnish the finished pancakes with fresh berries and serve.