Dream, Wonder, Prepare: By Design
Discovering Your Inspiration Style
The start of a new year feels like a blank page, full of possibilities and untold stories. It’s an invitation to reflect on what’s stirring within. But aside from turning the calendar, I want to ask: What’s really inspiring you right now?
Are you building on an achievement from last year? Finally going after that dream you’ve been thinking about? Or has inspiration nudged you toward something completely new—a project, a relationship, or a fresh perspective?
That rush of enthusiasm, the spark of a new idea, isn’t random. It’s a natural part of the human experience, giving us creative energy to explore, dream, and act. Here’s the tea: how we respond to inspiration shapes not only what we do but also who we’re becoming.
Be Curious
Inspiration often begins as a spark—an idea, a feeling, or a question. Instead of rushing to define or act on it, pause and ask yourself: What can this teach me?
Human Design Insight:
In Human Design, your relationship with curiosity is reflected in the Head Center. Are you a Dreamer, Wonderer, or Preparer? Each energy responds to inspiration differently, offering unique gifts and challenges.
Download your chart to discover which of these energies are activated (highlighted) in your chart.
Explore
Curiosity leads to exploration. Take small steps to see where your inspiration might guide you. Each step connects you with the joy of possibility.
The Dreamer (Gate 64):
You’re the visionary, seeing endless possibilities. Let yourself enjoy imagining without pressure to act immediately.
Example: Picture yourself dreaming of opening a creative studio. Instead of diving into logistics, allow yourself to envision the layout, the name, and the projects you’d take on.
The Wonderer (Gate 61):
Your curiosity asks why. Use it to explore perspectives without needing definitive answers.
Example: A friend shares a new idea, sparking questions about how you see things differently. You explore through conversations, books, and podcasts, letting the questions guide you.
The Preparer (Gate 63):
You thrive with a plan. Explore by creating steps that feel manageable without overloading yourself with perfection.
Example: You’re inspired to host a workshop. Instead of over-planning, focus on a simple outline and trust you’ll adjust as needed.
Discover
Exploration often leads to meaningful discoveries—not just about what inspires you, but about yourself. What lights you up? What shifts your perspective? What step feels right to take next?
Human Design Insight:
The Head Center reminds us that inspiration doesn’t have to be acted on immediately. Some dreams are meant to linger, while others spark meaningful action.
The Dreamer: How can you embrace your gift of dreaming, knowing that some dreams are meant to inspire without becoming reality?
The Wonderer: How can you follow your curiosity without needing to define or explain everything?
The Preparer: How can you ease up on the need to over-plan and step confidently into the unknown?
Grounding Practice
The word inspiration comes from the Latin inspirare, meaning “to breathe into.” It’s a reminder that inspiration isn’t about forcing outcomes or controlling every detail—it’s about receiving the energy of possibility, like a fresh breath.
This idea connects beautifully to the scripture:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own.” —Matthew 6:34
For me, this verse serves as a grounding practice, encouraging me to release the need to control what’s ahead and instead focus on the inspiration and opportunities present today.
Whether you resonate with scripture, a mantra, or a favorite quote, having a grounding practice can help you stay anchored in the moment and aligned with the inspiration meant for you right now. Let inspiration breathe life into your present, and trust that tomorrow will unfold as it should.
Your Turn: What’s Sparking Your Energy?
Think of your inspiration as a curious friend. Instead of asking, What do I need to do with this? try asking, What can this teach me?
Clarify: Take a moment to write down what’s inspiring you right now. What sparked this feeling, and where do you think it came from?
Consider: Consider how your natural energy as a dreamer, wonderer, or preparer could guide your next step. What unique strengths can you lean on to move forward?
Connect: Choose a meaningful quote, scripture, or affirmation to keep nearby. Let it serve as a reminder of what sustains and grounds you as you navigate your inspiration.
Let inspiration guide you gently, one step at a time. Like a good cup of tea, it needs time to linger and steep, allowing its full flavor to emerge.
