by Bob Trowbridge

Created on: May 27, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

To inspire means to breathe in. Originally, inspiration was related to God, gods, and goddesses breathing divine thoughts, ideas, and revelations into fortunate humans.

The Muses, nine Greek goddesses, were especially tasked with inspiring humans in the various arts. Such communications can come in quiet times, when we are meditating or contemplating. They come in our dreams or in conversations with others. Those who are open to the Muses will find that inspiration surrounds us if we are open to the messages.

Creative Inspiration: Nature or Nurture?

Are creative geniuses born or formed by their experiences? Is the ability to come up with original concepts inborn or can it be learned?

There are many individuals in history who fit the category of creative genius. There are many alive today who are original thinkers. These special few are somehow open to a great pool of thoughts and ideas, leaps of imagination and creativity. Such things seem to come to them rather effortlessly.

I believe that such flights of inspiration are possible for all of us and most of us have experienced them at one time or another. When inspiration strikes, it does seem like a message from the gods. Some of our greatest ideas and inspirations seem to come from someone or something else. Inspired individuals seem to be channeling some special source.

Experiencing Creative Inspiration

Have you ever been in an animated conversation with a friend or two? Thoughts and ideas are speeding back and forth and you get excited about the topic. Something comes out of your mouth related to the conversation, something that you never thought of before. This is genuine inspiration.

When I was a speaker, even as a young man, I often found myself saying things I had never thought of before. I am not claiming any kind of divine inspiration. I am saying that we sometimes seem to be open to information or creative inspiration that comes from somewhere other than the conscious mind.

This kind of inspiration is not limited to the arts by any means. It is not limited to thoughts and ideas. When we watch a professional or Olympic athlete perform, we are often seeing inspiration in action. Many of you have experienced being in some kind of flow when playing sports or even when doing mundane tasks.

The Source

I don't think anyone can definitively say what the source of inspiration may be. What we know is that it seems to be a great pool that different people can tap into any time and in any place. There are many historical

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