The prompt of “what inspires us” led me down winding paths. The more I contemplated, the deeper it led. There is what initially came to mind and heart and then, with more curiosity, a richer complexity was revealed. I realize I am inspired in multiple ways with various purposes, from universal to deeply personal.

I am inspired by the natural world around me like the Cardinal bird couple that lives in my backyard. Over the years, I have seen her pregnant, and I sometimes catch her resting on my wooden fence, watching her partner fly off into the distance.

The sound of children’s laughter, the ocean, balmy breezes, the smell of earth in the air just after a summer rain, curiosity, and generative conversations, these are constant sources of inspiration.

Then there’s being inspired by the work I do in the world.  It keeps me going in these crazy times. It grounds me. It’s my act of resistance, me walking-the-walk not just talking-the-talk.

I am stirred by the Quaker value of Stewardship. What am I doing today for the world I want in 500 years? As a Griot, storyteller, drum instructor and percussionist, teacher of mediation in cultural contexts, sound exploration workshop facilitator, or as a ritualist, I always ask, “What does it mean to live a humane life? What are the values I wish to garden in community and how do I pass them on to the next generation?

Imagine a world where contemplation is as fundamental as language being developed from a young age. I work with educators across the country growing mindfulness contemplation in educational settings from pre-K to college. When I am in school spaces where they have practiced mindfulness for a few years, its effect is very apparent. The depth of relationships and awareness, with self and others, near and far is completely inspirational.

On a deep and grand human level, I am inspired by the greeting of a stranger who I pass on the street. These days It seems a bit more heartfelt, giving and receiving. I believe people are beginning to show they care in very subtle but sincere ways. In the way they say ‘hello’ or in passerby conversation.

I am from the South where there is already a culture of doing greetings, but this is more than that. It’s a momentary lingering smile, the reaching of energy from one to another.

With so much turmoil and rhetoric of separation, I believe we are seeking more connection. I see you and I acknowledge you. Do you see me? It reminds me of crises when neighbors become more aware of neighbors, whether next door or across the world. It’s where real change occurs on a life-to-life level. Our hearts are opening along with our eyes. Now that inspires…Hope.

Charisse Minerva has been a Garrison Institute Fellow in Contemplative Community Leadership since 2022. She is a multimedia and performance artist. Minerva also designs mindfulness professional development trainings and teaches the course, The 4C’s – Creativity, Culture & Contemplation Build Community. She’s been an advisor for WholeSchool Mindfulness (WSM) for over 5 years. To learn more, please visit TrueHeart.co and WSM.