🔵 By Shane Espinoza. Photo by lauragrafie.
Writing from inside a box has little inspiration when you first think about it. When I surround myself with fascinating people, artwork or nature I am inspired. So how do I become inspired living in a box? I’ve had to look diligently for sources that would help me discover a way. Recently I read a book called “Writing down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg. One of her suggestions was to write about light from a window. This I could do as my cell has a small window measuring 36 inches by 4 inches. Throughout the day there are different intensities of light coming through to illuminate my cell. As I sit here on the top bunk I look at my shelf with the recent books I have read. I pause to recollect how each author has helped me in some way along my path. The light hits the books in such a way that I begin to see shadows and highlights. At this moment I have two thoughts; one is about how much I admire the authors and their messages. I can write about the strength I have as a result of the words of Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. David Drake, Ogho, Thomas Leonard, Sandra Anne Taylor, Robert Cialdini, Rick Benzel, Don Miguel Ruiz and countless others. Each and every single one of them has inspired me to take action which is why I am writing this now.
The other thought is in regards to how the window allows light and shadow to dance before my eyes. Should I paint this with pastels or utilize graphite? I think I will draw the bookshelf scene with graphite pencils and see what it shows me. When there is light then the darkness goes away. I constantly think about how to be light-hearted and about how to start my day. I think about who I can add value to and how I will do it. Then, before I go to bed I think about who I added value to and how I did it. By setting my intention at the start of every day I am better able to stay in a positive mindset. Generally, I am a happy person and I try to stay in the present. This is extremely important in my current environment as my well-being depends on it. Each one of us gets to choose how to live each day every day. I try to constantly have gratitude in my heart and genuinely care about those closest to me. It is a blessing to be alive.
Now, not every minute of everyday is good .. that’s ok. I choose to not dwell in those not-so-good moments. I acknowledge them and move forward. Life is too short to be stuck in a cortex of negativity. The same holds true being around constant complainers that invite you to co-miserate with them. Misery loves company and is always recruiting to matter where you live. I personally choose to disassociate with those individuals as I don’t have room for them in my life.
There can be a bright spot in any day or situation. I just have to look up from my writing and see the light coming in from the window. It changes my whole perspective in an instant. That light coming in through the window reminds me of the path I am on and that inspires me to take action and live.