Contemplations Of A Supple Mind

 

Today I had an interesting discussion with one of my close pals. We were mutually agreeing to disagree if there is any difference between inspiration and influence? There is eventually no significant difference between them. Both are synonyms. But somehow I accorded a higher status to the word inspiration as I believe this very word has a power of a mantra effectively transforming life. Though I lost my debate cheaply as the dictionary meaning of both is nearly the same and these words can be interchanged in usage.

Somehow I believe, Influence is momentary, transitory and stays for a short period of time whereas inspiration leaves a permanent impression on mind. During general conversations we often hear people talking about certain individuals who could accomplish a difficult task under the influence of something. Influence can be good or bad. Like people doing certain anti-social activities under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In rhetoric, we say cinemas are having a bad influence on the youth. Hence for me influence is a force that can trigger some change, bring some difference but it is ephemeral. Inspiration on the other hand is a strong internal force which drives, urges and invigorates inner spirits to strive even under tiring situations. It is an eternal fire/ spark that never extinguishes.

When it comes to parenting, these two words have a much deeper meaning and sense. In fact parenting helps us to understand the subtle difference between these words. The present generation of enthusiastic parents who are overwhelmed about future of their children try to enforce all their dreams on them. Due their unwarranted fears, they directly influence their kids to make important career decisions which they feel are safe. This feature is evident in most of the families. Kids strive hard to make a good career under the influence of their parents. But when it comes to making it something big and astounding, an inner force or drive is essential and sadly the driving force is extinct by then. Decisions/ judgments made under influence of some effect or force do have results which are much short lived and they can’t bring any remarkable change in individual’s lives. Inspiration is more like a habit that can be slowly cultivated.

 Inspiration is deeper, it gets assimilated into blood, brings about change in every nerve and muscle of the body. It becomes deeply ingrained in mind. It must be instilled at very younger stage. Inspired person is aware of his goals and ultimate objective in life. It is rather cynical, but I refuse to accept that inspiration can be negative. I accord it a status of positive source of energy. The trick is to have a resilient mind with a selective filter. Children must be groomed from a young age in life to stay inspired by cultivating good habits and values. Imbibing good habits is indispensable to have a clear discrimination in mind about the good and the evil. The sense of discrimination will itself safe guards them against all the external influences. This has to be cultivated over a period of time. If they excel in mastering the technique of selective assimilation of good and purging away the evil, no external force can obviate him from the path of success. Values instilled at an early stage will anchor them towards their goals and helps in strong character building. Men of strong characters are makers of their own destiny. They stay inspired and become source of inspiration to the society and people around them.

Inspiration is the guiding force in life. It is a strong vital strength which makes man to realize his own potential. For them impossible is nothing. A strong inspiration in life is like a good mentor always energizing and guiding when lost or in deep trouble or while making important decisions of life.

 Men of great intellect, vision, broad outlook, strong conviction and those who strive for common good of a society at large can inspire people. Because their teachings, writings, lectures have that power to instill confidence in masses. Staying inspired is the key to achieve the goal of life. This true inspiration can be found in realized souls who have the power to transform a person. Our country has no dearth of the so called "wise men," spiritual leaders, saints, but really blessed are the people who could bring some perceptible change in their followers.

Influence is fleeting and has short term effects. It works wonders when you are under its brief spell. But to stay focused and to commit selflessly to noble cause, will power and dedication should be indefatigable. So stay inspired and stay focused.

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