| Legend has it that Robert the Bruce of | | | | below. |
| Scotland was losing the battle and he barely | | | | |
| escaped with his life. His soldiers were hard | | | | 1) Nature -- In the middle of the worst |
| pressed to keep up the fight as many were | | | | crisis, we could take a few minutes to clear |
| wounded and dying. The Bruce, tired, dismayed | | | | our minds and look up to the sky or the |
| and broken-hearted found a hidden cave where | | | | stars. A little walk in the park or in the |
| he took refuge. | | | | woods will do wonders for the body, mind and |
| | | | spirit. Breathe in the fresh air, watch the |
| He threw down his sword and sat to rest a | | | | ripples on a pond or river, get inspired by |
| while. Gloomy thoughts filled his mind and he | | | | the sheer magnificence of Nature. |
| reflected on the insurmountability of the | | | | |
| task he had tried to accomplish. Perhaps | | | | 2) Music -- Listen to some music you really |
| Scotland would never be free -- at least not | | | | like. The sound will take your mind to |
| in his lifetime. Perhaps he should abandon | | | | another place and you'll find that miracles |
| all efforts, give it up and lead an obscure | | | | can occur. |
| life as a fugitive. | | | | |
| | | | 3) Books and tapes -- Spend a little time |
| As these thoughts raced through his mind, out | | | | absorbed in a good book. And I don't mean |
| of the corner of his eye, he noticed a tiny | | | | just self-help or spiritual books. It could |
| spider trying to climb a strand of web that | | | | be any book that engages your mind and |
| extended from the top of the cave almost to | | | | thoughts. For example, when things seem |
| the floor. Up went the spider and just a few | | | | really gloomy to me, I'd read one of Edgar |
| feet from the top, it slipped and fell all | | | | Rice Burroughs' Tarzan tales. For me, that |
| the way down. | | | | works. For you, it might mean a totally |
| | | | different type of book. |
| Over and over again the spider repeated the | | | | |
| process as the exhausted Bruce watched, | | | | And audio tapes, CD's, video tapes and DVD's |
| fascinated by the perseverance of the little | | | | have been a wonderful gift from technology. |
| life form. Once again the spider climbed, | | | | Just the other day I watched the movie, |
| this time almost reaching the top. Again it | | | | Richard Bach's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" |
| slipped and fell to the floor of the cave. | | | | on my video player. Shortly thereafter, I |
| Now with rapt attention, Robert the Bruce | | | | watched the western movie, "They Call Me |
| watched to see its next move. A few more | | | | Trinity" on my DVD player. Talk about being |
| tries and finally, with one quick dash, the | | | | recharged! I was able to face the seeming |
| spider reached the ceiling. The Bruce slowly | | | | impossible and come out smiling. |
| got up, picked up his sword, cleared the | | | | |
| depressing thoughts from his mind and went | | | | 4) Friends -- We are fortunate if we have a |
| back into the battle, inspired by the | | | | few good friends. Somebody once asked me if I |
| strength, will and perseverance of such a | | | | told my friends about something I was very |
| tiny creature as a spider. The rest is | | | | involved with. I smiled and answered, "Yes, I |
| history. The battle was won and the Bruce | | | | told them all -- both of them." Real friends |
| was, once more, the triumphant, gallant | | | | are few and far between, but they can be a |
| leader of his people. | | | | tremendous help to you by just being there |
| | | | and listening. |
| There are times when everything in life seems | | | | |
| dark and dreary. There are those times when | | | | There are other sources of inspiration and I |
| we feel we are totally unable to take the | | | | am sure you can come up with your own list |
| next step or to even move one inch. These are | | | | that works for you. For example, take a long |
| precisely the times when we most need | | | | drive, go fishing, bake some cookies, paint a |
| inspiration. | | | | picture or make some pottery. The point is |
| | | | simple. Use all the sources of inspiration |
| Why inspiration? It helps recharge our energy | | | | available to get you through your tough times |
| when all seems hopeless. It gives us | | | | -- to help you, not only to overcome but to |
| encouragement when our "spiritual well has | | | | prosper. Remember, the Universe is on your |
| gone dry". | | | | side. Just give it a chance to show its |
| | | | magnificence in your life. Happiness should |
| The dictionary gives different meanings to | | | | always be our most important goal. All else |
| the word, "inspiration". But I think | | | | is secondary. Lift up your eyes and look |
| "inspiration" actually means divine messages | | | | beyond your troubles. Perhaps you'll see a |
| from the Universe. There are many sources of | | | | whole new, beautiful day dawning for you. |
| inspiration and I want to list a few of them | | | | It's there. Go for it. |