Taking inspired action

April 20th, 2008

In my last post, I wrote about the value of “right action” at the “right time.” Moving with inspiration in this manner is tremendously powerful. Seemingly small actions can create big results.

However, the mind can also jump on board and hijack the whole process. Once we receive inspiration and are about to move forward into action, the mind starts spinning its wheels. It may begin to judge, to criticize, or to second-guess. It can begin to attach outcomes to our inspired actions. It can leap into the future and begin to play with plans and possibilities. It may make assumptions of what outcomes are or are not possible. All of these mental activities are a natural part of taking action. There is nothing wrong with them - unless they interfere with or even take the place of inspiration.

This is where we have to be careful. The mind loves action, loves planning and projecting possible outcomes. The mind also enjoys calculating risk and voicing its doubts. This is where the mind excels, and we definitely need these capabilities in our lives. But if we attach too much to these mental activities, we can easily get lost in a frenzy of activity that is created by the mind, rather than being inspired by our Spirit. Or, if the mind creates a great deal of criticism and doubt, we don’t ever move forward into inspired action to begin with.

As we receive the inspiration for right action at the right time, how do we ensure that Divine inspiration remains the guiding force?

Here’s a simple exercise you may want to try.

Before you take action, focus your attention on your heart chakra. Divine inspiration feels joyful, vibrant and confident. Allow the energy of Divine inspiration to fill your heart. If you’re a visual person, perhaps you wish to give these energies a particular color. To me, they often look like a swirling combination of pink and green.

Now imagine these energies flowing from your heart through your shoulders, down your arms, and into your hands. Imagine the chakras that are in your palms coming alive with the energy of Divine inspiration. You may even feel your hands tingle as you do this.

Now start doing. Whether you are typing away at the computer, or making phone calls, or cooking a meal … whatever it is that you are doing, allow your hands to become alive with the energy of Divine inspiration, coming from the heart.

Now imagine energy flowing from your task back into your heart chakra. If you are typing away at your keyboard, for example, imagine the energy flowing from your heart to your hands, into your words and onto the screen, perhaps out into the world - and then returning right back to your heart.

In this way, you are receiving as you are doing. Your mind is involved - but so is your heart. This simple little visualization creates a balance that is sometimes lost once we get into the “doing.” At first, this process may feel a little strange. You may initially find that focusing on your heart while you are taking action slows you down. But you may also find that your actions become more focused, more intentional, and more productive.  You may even find that you shift course entirely in the middle of taking action.

Best of all, you will find that taking heart-based action is fulfilling in and of itself. Doubt and second-guessing are quieted by the confidence of the heart. Possible outcomes of your actions become secondary because the present moment is so satisfying. The mind becomes our ally as we take joyful and inspired action, and witness the resulting fulfillment right here, in the present moment.

Give it a try and share your experiences in the comments!

Blessings,
Andrea

Link Love

Speaking of taking action - go check out Tom Volkar’s post on massive inspired action and the inspiring discussion in the comments section of his blog Delightful Work.

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