During these cold winter months it's hard for me to keep inspiration fresh. The festival memories are faded and the return of daytime dance parties is months away. In the meantime I try to find a little euphoria in other places. For a spirit-lifting short story, take a look at one of these books:
An adventure tale about following your own spiritual path and the value of all experiences. My grandfather gave this to me when I turned 18, and though I enjoyed reading it then, I really appreciate its lessons now that I'm finding my own way in life as well.
A beautiful story of an outcast seagull who finds a unique calling in life, and learns self-transcendence in the process. As quick and entertaining as a children's book, but with an intriguing lesson on reality and consciousness. My favorite quote: "Your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip, is nothing more than your thought itself, in a form you can see. Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body, too.”
This one is more instructional than storytelling. Anthony De Mello gives his advice for spiritual freedom in short chapters, perfect for mulling over for the day. Wonderful to re-read whenever you need a jolt of inspiration.