Inspired consciousness

From the point of view of the field of consciousness the condition termed [inspiration]

corresponds to an upsurge of content without preceding continuity, or to a process characterized by intense activity in the field, or both. The process of inspiration may arise spontaneously (viz unconscious stimulation) or it may arise in response to demand (viz conscious motives or conscious reactions). Although there may be inspired subjective activity, the state of inspiration is not recognized unless there is an objective product. Frequently the manifestation of the product or content overshadows any preceding mental activity to the extent that it is not recalled, making inspiration appear even more miraculous.

The state of the inspired mind is one that may also be accompanied by strong emotions such as love or hate, or general emotional excitement. In some instances it arises from, or creates, a feeling of strain or tension that can be exhausting, and in extreme cases, fatal. This is because it may be associated with physical, mental or emotional over-exertion. There are numerous cases of geniuses, artists and other creative persons who have sacrificed themselves to their gifts.

Paradoxically, despite the intense activity that inspiration causes in the mind, it is nevertheless said to occur more frequently to those whose minds are relaxed and open, for example to those who practice meditation or some other alpha-wave enhancing activity, or even in the period of calm preceding acute psychosis. It may also arise in the unnatural calm of dissociation. The moment of inspiration, when new patterns which may have been forming over some considerable time suddenly become integrated and organized like the pattern of a kaleidoscope, is usually very brief. The patterns rush into consciousness but soon fade and must be committed to paper or acted upon very fast if they are to be preserved.