The secret of fleeting inspiration

Here is one iron clad rule that has no exceptions: inspiration always fades. We may be inspired to make a change, and really want to do it-but after a few days, it is easy to forget or reconsider. Why is this so?

So, before we answer this question directly, let’s take a step back and go back to the inner foundations of creation. The Arizal ( cf beginning of Otzros Chaim) teaches us that there were three fundamental dynamics that existed at the beginning of creation. 1.) Before the world was created all that existed was Hashem’s infinite light. 2.) In order to make room for a world Hashem constricted ( i.e. concealed) His infinite light. This is called the tzimtzum. 3.) After the tzimtzum, Hashem returned His light to the vacuum that was created but this time in a much more restricted way that is called in Kabbalah the kav ( perhaps similar to a focused laser). This threefold dynamic of intense light, intense constriction and than revealing a much more constricted light that is more suitable long term for creating a world-continues throughout the Kisvei Ari, in which the Ari explains to us “Maaseh Bereishis”, the secrets of creation in great detail and depth.

Ok, but what does this have to do with fading inspiration? Well, if the fundamental dynamic of creation is built and structured in accordance with this threefold dynamic that we just expressed, then we should expect to see this dynamic expressed throughout creation, as the created world must express its blueprint. So where do we see this?  When a person wants to do any serious work in Avodas Hashem or personal growth there are always going to be three stages in the process. 1.) Inspiration: This is the first stage in which one is really motivated to change. Maybe he heard an inspiring lecture, read a good book or simply was motivated by a real life situation. All growth begins with some form of inspiration. However, it never lasts. Shortly, after the first stage we reach the second stage. 2.) The second stage is called perspiration. At this stage, the inspiration has been lost. Real avodah has begun. This stage can be scary and most of life is spent at this stage to some degree. This stage always follows the first stage and is the real test before real growth. 3.) But then there is stage three: revelation. At this point, one has perspired and worked hard even when the inspiration fades. He begins to create real vessels for personal growth from his own effort. The passing inspiration has become something concrete that can exist in this world. This stage does not have the same intensity and excitement as the inspiration of the first stage. However, it is real and lasting.

So here we see a very fundamental model of personal growth that corresponds very nicely with the three inner stages of creation described by the Ari. Inspiration corresponds to the infinite light, as when one feels inspired it is as if something bigger than him is motivating him. The second stage ‘perspiration’ corresponds to the tzimtzum, the hiding of the divine light so there can be a place for real avodah. And the final stage of revelation corresponds nicely to the stage of the kav, where the divine light comes back in a more constricted form that this world can begin to handle.

This is not a cute coincidence but rather another expression of how the revealed world expresses its hidden inner dynamic. This is why the definition of kaballah is parallel structure ( from the word ‘makbil’) as we have mentioned at other times.

This same dynamic expresses itself throughout a person’s lifetime. Youth corresponds to the first stage of inspiration. During youth many have great idealistic dreams of what they would like to do in their lives. The sky’s the limit. However, when one gets a bit older one begins to realize that life is perhaps more difficult than we may have thought during our period of youthful innocence. Youthful dreams turn into hardened realities. This is the stage of perspiration when we really have to work hard. However, if one does not give up, Hashem will guide him to the third stage: revelation. At this stage, one may not have the euphoria of youth. However, idealism that was channeled through the hardened realities of stage two begins to express itself in a way that may seem quite small in relation to the inspiration of stage one, but is more in line with reality and ultimately will be able to last long term.

But here is one more very important point to consider: Most of our life is spent in stage two, when we are working very hard amidst the great challenges of life. We don’t always like this stage. But the reality is that most of life is spent at this level. However, when one begins to realize that the challenging perspiration of stage two is ultimately the bedrock and catalyst for the sweet revelation of stage three, it is easier to persevere. One begins to realize that  this is the pattern of life. And “darkness will come to an end” as the dawn of stage three revelation begins to lighten the horizon!