Sparky Questions

Recently I was pondering ways to generate ideas that feel more fiery or sparky.

I always have a lot of options for what to do next, and it’s easier for me to feel bored than stressed, so I often want to explore paths that offer some extra stimulation and challenge.

Here are the questions I came up with. I thought I’d share them here on my blog in case you find value in them as well.

  1. Where are the sparks (the sparky opportunities)?
  2. What is the voice of courage saying now?
  3. What will summon (or renew) the spark of life today?
  4. Where’s the play?

The first question reminds me to think about opportunities that light me up inside and to be careful about pursuing too much low-hanging fruit that could lead to boredom. Some opportunities are sparkier than others, and the sparky ones tend to provide more value for myself and others, even though they may be more difficult to access.

The second question reminds me to consult with my courage, which is really the voice of my heart. If I take the easy path, I may disappoint this part of myself – it loves a stimulating challenge, and I have to feed it now and then.

The third question is a good one to ask in the morning. The path of sparkiness changes each day, so I have to keep asking this question anew. One day’s spark could be another day’s drudgery. One day it may feel sparky to begin the day with a meditation or visualization. Another day I may feel the call to go for a longer than usual hill run. And another time I may feel the need for an immersion day.

The fourth and final question is a reminder to use the lens of play. It can help me find a direction of good energy flow and motivation without the clinginess of attachment.

These questions are especially nice to use as journaling prompts, but you can also just ask and answer them aloud for a really quick version. Try them out for yourself – perhaps even right now – and see where the answers point you.