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Inspiration - Breathe in, and receive, as two different but related inspirations.
Breathing in is an inspiration as a physical action, whether we do so consciously or unconsciously. When we receive inspiration, it is a spiritual event, as life-giving as is breathing. However, it is received not as air into our lungs but as enlightenment in our minds, leading to affirming movements in our hearts. We can take control of our breathing temporarily, even though the process originates in, and is governed as, an ongoing function of our bodies. However, we cannot control inspiration at all, since it is not derived from within us.
When we want to, we can deliberately predispose ourselves to receive inspiration, even if we have not reflected on the possible source, but have only come to appreciate the beneficial consequences, and desire more. Even if we might not think of “inspiration” to describe the sudden and welcome illumination in our minds that enable us to get started on a project, resolve a problem, become aware of a possibility, integrate formerly disparate realities, and many other such movements, we recognize that they are good, and good for us. We might have discovered for ourselves how helpful it is to cease struggling in our minds, and instead to wait quietly, perhaps hopefully, for inspiration by whatever name we give it.
When we reflect on some of the inspirations we have received, we can derive even more valuable experiences, especially gratitude. We might consider the ongoing helpful consequences of some of the inspirations upon which we have acted, or think about the feelings of relief, joy, and accomplishment that followed when we incorporated inspirations in our decision-making.
Our sense of thankfulness will deepen, and our hearts will respond with increased openness, when we acknowledge that inspirations are given to us as conscious acts of God’s love. These thoughts that come into our minds are more personally directed to us than are the helpful suggestions given to us by well-intentioned family members, friends, and colleagues. God knows precisely all the potential developments, effects, and outcomes that can follow our acceptance of inspirations. So gracious and far-reaching is God’s love for us that even the kind suggestions we receive from others are often the results of inspirations they had received to offer their ideas to us.
Relying on the love of God for inspirations is not selfish, for we are not in any position to coerce or be manipulative, but we are able to open ourselves to whatever gifts God wants to give us that are never only for us, but also for the good of others, even if we will ever know of their ongoing positive effects in them.
Here is a suggestion for personal spiritual recreation: in a moment of chosen quiet reflection, pick a significant inspiration from the past that comes to mind, and then observe some of the ripples that you can see flowing out from that event. A sense of thankfulness is likely to occur because of our reflection.
Last Updated 7/12/2025