What is an Inspiration?
An inspiration is the spark that guides us from inner reflection to outer action. The word comes from the Latin spirare, meaning “to breathe into.” In this sense, inspiration is something living—something that breathes life into our purpose and connects our unique gifts with the needs we see in the world.
It can take many forms: a sentence, an image, or even a feeling that serves as a compass for how we move forward.
Why Create One?
An inspiration brings focus and alignment. For individuals, it can act like a personal affirmation or a daily reminder of what matters most. For groups, it provides shared direction—a living thread that connects everyone to the deeper purpose of a retreat, meeting, or experience.
There are two common ways to work with inspirations in group settings:
- Retreat Inspiration:
At Northern Edge and in many of our partner retreats, we craft a retreat inspiration—a living storyline that weaves together the expressed needs of our guests. It draws on keywords guests share in their registration forms and those used in the program’s description or marketing. This ensures the retreat experience aligns with both the guests’ hopes and our original promise. An example of this:
We gather in nature to slow down and reconnect—finding calm, restoration, and balance within. Together we open to new experiences, play, and adventure, while nourishing body, mind, and spirit. By listening deeply, we rediscover the parts of ourselves that are ready to be heard and healed, and reflect with clarity on the path ahead.
- Personal Inspiration:
In transformational retreats, guests are sometimes invited to craft their own personal inspiration. This might be a statement guiding their personal growth, a reflection on how they wish to show up in their work or relationships, or a compass for their next chapter. Personal inspirations help individuals stay connected to their learning and growth long after the retreat ends.
Inspiration vs. Intention
An intention often points to a specific outcome: something we plan to achieve. Intentions can be useful, but they’re typically linear and goal-oriented. They can also create pressure to “get it right” or finish something on a set timeline.
An inspiration, on the other hand, is more fluid. It invites curiosity, participation, and co-creation. It offers structure without rigidity—enough focus to guide decisions, and enough openness to let surprises and growth unfold naturally.
Practicing Inspiration
Creating an inspiration takes patience and listening. Rather than forcing clarity, we invite it. We let ideas surface, notice recurring themes, and allow words to form that feel alive. When we lead from inspiration, things tend to unfold with more ease, joy, and synchronicity.
How to Create an Inspiration
- Listen for threads.
Notice recurring insights, questions, or needs—both within yourself and in your group. These are the threads of your inspiration. - Name it simply.
Write a sentence or two in the present tense that expresses what you are opening to or embodying. Keep it positive and grounded.
- Example: “We are learning to move at the pace of trust.”
- Example: “I breathe deeply and meet each moment with curiosity.”
- Example: “We are learning to move at the pace of trust.”
- Share it.
If you’re leading a group, introduce the inspiration at the beginning of your gathering. Let it set the tone and help everyone orient around a shared purpose. - Return to it.
Revisit the inspiration throughout your time together. Ask: Where are we in its story? Has it evolved? What is it teaching us now? - Close with it.
When your experience comes to an end, bring the inspiration back into the circle. Reflect on how it showed up and what it revealed.
Remember
An inspiration isn’t something to complete—it’s something to live. Trust that what’s meant to unfold will, in its own time and rhythm.
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