Beyond the Sleeping Lion

Inspiration is necessary and quite important for progress of any kind. But then true inspiration is not a bolt of lightning that strikes at all times. 

Inspiration arrives only to those who are ‘ready’ for it. Showing up is important. You will never be ready, but showing up is what gets you there. 

When you commit to work, even when you are feeling uninspired (especially when you are not feeling inspired) is what gets you where you want to go.

In Hitopadesha, there is a powerful shloka: 

उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः । न हि सुप्तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः ॥

Udyamena hi sidhyanti kāryāṇi na manorathaiḥ | Na hi suptasya siṃhasya praviśanti mukhe mṛgāḥ ||

This means that ‘just as a deer would never walk into the mouth of a sleeping lion, success and great works are achieved through active effort, not by mere wishing.’

If you wait for the "perfect moment" to begin, you will wait forever. 

But if you start, you will find things to inspire you again. Movement creates its own energy.

So whether it is your next project or anything else, remember the ‘lion’ only eats when he is on the move.