Integrating Inspiration

The more I see the more I understand how much I do not know. I recently attended the Evolver Spore “Shamanic Panic” and was inspired by the speakers, the audience, and the cosmic energy radiating within. In these environments, it feels as though the passion to learn, love, live and evolve is infinite. However, there is always something looming, something missing. After hearing one of the questions, it was evident what the struggle we faced has evolved to. Within these refreshing gatherings of like-minded people, the question seems to be “How do we maintain this? How do we spread the word to save the world without ending up on top of a soapbox in Time Square? How do I integrate this inspiration into my life in a positive way that invites others to join in the evolution?” It seems that there is no concrete answer, especially not by the ones provided. This is not to blemish the answers given by the speakers, but enhance them and shine an empirical, applicable clarity to this ubiquitous predicament. This is not a conundrum ghettoized to urban dwellers, but to all who are conscious. After all, the city is a wilderness in itself.

The lesson I am sharing comes from my time spent in the New Jersey Pine Barrens at Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School. The teachings that take place there are focused on empowering the individual by reuniting you with your birthright. You don’t just learn “survival” you learn about the power we have as individuals to make a difference. You learn dynamic ways of applying the knowledge of body and soul to change the world. You learn to channel your intent into enhancing your experiences and in turn, inspire others.

The most valuable lesson learned was simply this: Everything and everyone is your teacher. When you view the world through this lens, every experience becomes an adventure. When we are learning, then we are truly in the moment. We teach as we learn. We must understand that we touch and inspire others through our own inspiration. It is contagious. Our passion will inevitable bring out the passion in others. That is why, I consider, picking up garbage to be a spiritual act. It sets an example.

I live on the north shore of Long Island in town called Oyster Bay. I have a sit spot down by the bay where I walk to for moments of clarity. There are always people riding bikes, walking their dogs, fishing, or sitting enjoying the natural beauty of the bay. Every time I go, I jump down and pick up the garbage that accumulates around the section of beach between the piers. Today there was a particularly low tide so I had a chance to pick up some old glass that was littered decades ago. As I submerged to throw the trash in the garbage, I saw a little girl picking up some bags that were blowing away from her family picnic. She looked at me and smiled as she threw them away. It was as life affirming as it was inspiring.

As long as you see every experience as a lesson being taught, you will come to find that it is no longer a question of “how do I integrate?” but “how do I stay inspired?” That is a question only you can answer. When you are inspired and your intentions are pure, you set an example. You evoke others to wake up and make a difference. You must remember, the teacher always learns more then the student.