02: Where to find inspiration outside of the Internet
Now more than ever, we need to seek for creative inspiration in the real world
Last winter, I was feeling creatively stuck. Maybe it was because the days were so short and we had no sun in weeks, or maybe I was spending too much time on Pinterest, seeking inspiration in other people’s perfectly curated lives. From that feeling of discomfort, this list was born, and it is the most successful piece in my newsletter so far. That got me thinking that many of us crave connection to the real world and want to find inspiration outside social media and the Internet. Today, I bring you a new compilation of places where you can look for inspiration if you are tired of seeking it in the same corners of social media.
Fantasy Meditation
Guided meditation has been a huge help in my life in overwhelming and stressful times —specially fantasy meditation. I have listened to Let Your Breath Become a Flower by Raveena dozens of times and it always takes me to a different dimension, where everything is beautiful, and serene and magical. InsighTimer also has a lot of fun free meditations, that according to their website, can ‘transport you to magical realms and dreamlike states, enhancing relaxation and creativity through vivid storytelling and imaginative visualization’. I am hooked.
Bird Watching
My dad gifted me a pair of binoculars last Christmas and now that Spring is here, I have been able to wander outside, taking a closer peak at the eagle that roams around the park near our house, or the nests of the families of Cormorants that live under the Burrard Bridge here in Vancouver. So far, bird watching has taught me the importance of stillness and silence to be able to really appreciate the surroundings and creatures around me. You don’t even need a pair of binoculars to appreciate birds and other creatures around you. You just need to forget about your phone for a minute, open your eyes wide, and pay attention.
Oracle Decks and Cards
I highly recommend pulling out a card or two a day from an oracle of your choice. I recently got the affirmations card set by Yumi and I love it so much. Every night before going to sleep I try to take out a card and use it as a journaling prompt. If I am too tired at night, I take it out in the morning, and it helps me set an intention for the day. It’s a nice ritual I have been incorporating in my days that makes my life more special and makes me feel connected to the greater universe. Something I believe is very important to keep the inspiration juices flowing.
My yoga studio also has this beautiful deck that has thought me a lot about the energy of different animals and how I can learn from it to live a more expansive life. I always look forward to pulling out a card after my hot yoga class and connect my practice to the learnings of the cards.
Illustrated Books Section at the Library/Bookstore
When I don’t really want to read or feed the intellectual part of my brain, reaching for a book with beautiful illustrations or photography always inspires me. Children’s books also help me when I am feeling creatively blocked or overwhelmed. The color combinations, the characters, the textures inside. I am also working on building my own little collection of children’s books at home. The first one in my collection is Invisible Things by Andy J Pizza and Sophie Miller. Next time you are feeling creatively stuck, make a trip to the library, grab some books that spark your attention and take notes.
Photo Walks
It’s very likely that you are reading this on your phone. If that is the case, your phone probably has a pretty decent camera. Wandering around, paying closer attention to your surroundings, finding beauty in the mundane it’s a great exercise in the process of searching inspiration. As
said in the last edition of Sobremesa: “The best inspiration is outside of the internet! Going on walks, noticing the architecture in your neighborhood, visiting bookstores, traveling to new cities and countries, being in nature, and meeting new people. We’re meant to find inspiration out in the world”. I am excited to go on more photo walks this Spring!
Old Vinyl Art
This might be too niche but hear me out. I don’t know what it is about the art cover of 70’s and 80’s vinyls but they are so so good. It’s clearly that designers back then were onto something. Sometimes when I am searching for inspiration for creative assets, I go to the thrift store around the corner of my house and spend sometime in the vinyls section, the typography and color combinations of these covers always sparks so many ideas in me. There is something special about looking for inspiration on all types of printed media: Magazines, zines, comics, etc!
For more ideas, get my ebook here and access 21 ways to find inspiration outside of the Internet.
Catch up with apartamento 710
It’s the time of the year when I get to upgrade my prescription glasses. I have been resisting getting this Miu Miu glasses because I simply refuse to pay more than 500 CAD on them. Of course I went looking for a good dupe and found this Warby Parker model that looks kind of similar. I got them in brown and I am excited to get receive them and show you how the look.
I watched the AD tour of Casa Organica by Mexican architect Javier Senosiain. I finished the video feeling so inspired to have my own home one day and make a place as whimsical as this.
I can’t stop listening to Djo’s new album since it came out this week. I also was amused to discover that Djo and Steve from Stranger Things are the same person. You might know this song, as it became very popular a couple of years ago. I honestly love his music. He so talented and you should listen to his new album. Writing this made me realize I kind of a have a crush on him.
Yes to children's books!! I have also been (somewhat unintentionally) making a little collection of children's books, a mix of fiction & non-fiction. Only today I was looking through this amazingly tactile book about a dollshouse.
not bad bunny 🫣🫣🫣🫣 jajajaja