The root of the word inspire is “spir”.
“Spir” means “breathe” or “breath”.
Words with “spir” as the root are ambitious, physical words: aspire, inspire, expire, perspire, respire.
When I see and hear these words, I can sense the breath in them.
The root “spir” also sits in another very interesting word: “spirit”.
Many of you, like me, are creative writers. I write Keitharsis to offer you new language and landscapes to explore in your own creative practices. All in an effort to help you overcome block and burnout.
Why?
That’s what we do as Creatives: we breathe new life into the spirits of others.
It's a gift.
But inspiring (i.e. breathing into the spirit of others) is only half our work.
We must be inspired too. We must allow others to breathe into our creative spirit.
What are you, as a creative human being, doing to breathe life into others this season?
And how are you letting others breathe life into you?
(photo by Alex Murphy on Flickr)
Keitharsis is a blog by a writer for writers and other Creatives. New essays are published each Tuesday and Thursday.
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Additional Reading...
Interested in more on this idea of breath?
Click here: "A Breath of Fresh Air (An Alternative to Depth)"
Love this post. Makes me think of Christ and us being a new creation in Him because of His Spirit. He breathed into us and because of this we breathe that life, that love, to others.
Posted by: Eileen | December 20, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Really appreciate your comment, Eileen! I also appreciate you picking up on the Christmas connection!
Funny story about how this post "arrived". I was reading an interview from the early 1970s with Gary Snyder, a Buddhist poet and one of my favorites.
Now you see what I mean when I say the creative act is one of connection, not expression. :)
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 20, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Great reminder for this week in particular. I'm running ragged trying to make sure all the gifts are bought and everything is ready to go for Sunday. This message has helped me remember that Christmas is also about receiving.
I'm looking forward to using the holidays to reconnect with others just to sit and listen. I'll, now, be sure to let others breathe life into me. Thanks Keith.
Posted by: Pat MacPherson | December 20, 2011 at 11:37 AM
The combination of these two articles is so good...a breath of fresh air to my soul. :) I like that depth is not necessarily diving to the depths of comprehension but like taking a huge deep breath and reaching a part of our soul that's always been there...it just takes a bit more expansion of the lungs to reach...how refreshing that is. Good stuff! :)
Posted by: Nikki | December 20, 2011 at 12:18 PM
I love that you made the connection between spir and spirit. I think too often we forget that when God created man, he had to first breath his spirit into man for us to be more than just a dirt shell.
I am actually taking the next few weeks off from writing, and allowing myself to be inspired, and have life breathed into me, by those around me…and God.
Another great and challenging post, Keith.
Posted by: Jason Vana | December 20, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Pat,
If we deny ourselves the "breaths" others offer, we burnout. Right?
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 20, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Thank you so much, Nikki! And thanks for reading both pieces! I thought they fit well together.
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 20, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Awesome, Jason! I hope your Sabbath renews you. 'Tis the time of year for rebirth and renewal!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 20, 2011 at 12:33 PM
I wonder what happened as Jesus drew his first breathe.
I am offering two gifts. A gift of humour on my Blog and then on Christmas morning I am guest preaching about what a baby gives and receive's. Some creative thoughts to stimulate deep and healthy breathing. Thanks for your posts, I always enjoy reading them.
Posted by: A Facebook User | December 20, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Humor is, indeed, a resfreshing breath! As is faith.
Sincerely appreciate you reading!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 20, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Really great!
Thanks for reinspiring me. :)
Posted by: Duane Scott | December 21, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Thanks Duane! Appreciate you taking time to reach out!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 21, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Okay, Keith. Jeff Goins has his book deal. Now it's your turn. No really.
I try to inspire others by encouragement and sharing their story with others so they can be connected to a tribe.
I am inspired by the writing of others about creativity and the art of writing. Ketharsis and Goins Writer are 2 of my favs.
Posted by: ThatGuyKC | December 21, 2011 at 11:49 AM
KC,
I really appreciate your ongoing support, encouragement and coaxing!
And I really love your Gravatar. Makes me smile. I am Batman, by the way. I'm a buttoned-up businessman by day. And, by night, I work from a secret cave in service to the world! Pow! Smack! Zonk!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 21, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Again a great post out of Keith Jennings! This post resonated with me. Thanks!
Posted by: Don McAllister | December 21, 2011 at 04:03 PM
It is great to hear from you, Don! Thank you for continuing to read!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 21, 2011 at 04:49 PM
Beautiful! Breathe in love and breathe out love . . . xoxo
Posted by: Léna Roy | December 21, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Léna,
Really appreciate you picking this up on your blog! Thank you!
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 21, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Coaxing? I'm about to recruit some hooligans to threaten you. :)
BOOK! BOOK! BOOK!
Batman, huh? I'm thinking you need a new Gravatar. Does that make us Super Friends?
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: ThatGuyKC | December 22, 2011 at 10:12 AM
It makes us Super Friends indeed, KC.
Which reminds me...I need to label everything in my office using "Bat" as the prefix.
At least we're not trying to figure out if we're the eggmen or the walrus.
Posted by: Keith Jennings | December 22, 2011 at 10:40 AM