What is 'Inspiration'? A feeling, an idea or an action that you have been guided to do. Something that would be beyond your normal interest or ability. To Inspire is to affect, guide or arouse influence and arouse latent energies or ideals.
The dictionary's interpretation of Inspiration is: 1. Stimulation of of the faculties to a higher level of feeling or activity. 2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect of emotions. 3. Theologically: Divine guidance or influence exerted directly upon the mind and soul of man.
So as we look at Inspiration from a Spiritual point of view, we find it will come to us in many different ways, or forms. The medium of the platform giving his address is usually inspired to talk about a subject that he feels, his communicators have a message or lesson they wish to speak about. But inspiration comes not only on the spiritualist platform, but in a number of other ways, such as; Drawing, Painting, Healing, but mostly it comes in the form of Writing.
Many people obtain inspirational writing which they believe comes from their friends, guides or helpers in the spirit world. These can be short or long pieces of philosophy, or simple poems. It can be received by means of clairvoyance or clairaudiently, and there are others who receive it, without any knowledge of what is being written, by being entranced, which we tend to term as Direct Writing.
As always, Inspiration out of the trance state, and also in it, depending on the level of trance, can be said to be influenced by the person receiving the inspiration in what ever form it comes, because their mind is awake and active. I would not argue that inspiration comes from within, but what sparks it? Where does it initiate? Lets say it is with the sub-conscious part of the mind, but what pushes from the depths of the sub-conscious to the conscious mind? As a spiritual person, I believe that all inspiration is a direct result of spirit intervention , and that it is our spirit guides, helpers, friends, family, call them what you will, who work within our minds pushing forward at every opportunity, to influence and guide us mentally, physically, and of course inspirationally.
This does not of course, relate only to spiritual matters, It is my belief, that all things that are obtained through the medium of Inspiration are of course initiated by spirit. This includes the scientific breakthroughs that occur on regular basis. The inventor who finds a tool that is useful to mankind for whatever means. The author of a book, even though he or she may draw on personal experience and much, much more. And so Inspiration is not just meant for the spiritualy minded or the philosopher, but for all men, women and children alike. A gift from the spirit world that helps us make use of our minds, body and soul to help with our own spiritual advancement, and that of others.