Muses and Inspiration

​In Greek mythology there were 9 goddesses, known as the muses, that provided inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. They are said to be the source for the knowledge passed through stories, writing, poetry, dance, and songs, and were worshipped on Mount Helicon. Though it is also said that originally there were only 3 which represented song, practice, and memory, or the three chords of the lyre, depending on where they were worshipped.
While we still refer to someone or something that has sparked our creativity and passion to create as our muse, we don’t really worship or pray to the muses as goddesses like the ancient Greeks did. That said, we still seek out inspiration from sources outside ourselves all the time. Usually in the things that bring us joy, like books, music, art, and even other people. Anything we can perceive with our senses can impel (or compel) us to create, to learn, or simply become passionate about something. It could be a visual thing like an object/picture seen repeatedly, a phrase or song we keep hearing, or something more subtle like a smell or a tactile stimulus that reminds us/makes us think of something. Likewise, anything we do, say, or create can inspire someone else.
Some of what I write about in my blogs is inspired by the books I read, some by good conversation with like minded people, and some topics just pop into my head sort of randomly. Perhaps that is one of the muses whispering to me, maybe it is my intuition/higher self/guides telling me someone needs to read this today, or maybe it is my subconscious trying to get something off its mind. I could not say for certain either way, but I do know that I have been inspired to write these words for you today. The same goes for my books.
Motivation, while not the same as inspiration, can come from the same sort of stimuli. Reading other people’s books often motivates me to continue to write my own, and the music I listen to can motivate me to keep going when I am feeling down or stuck. The difference between them can be thought of as inspiration being  influenced mentally/emotionally for the purpose to create, while motivation is a stimulation designed to cause action towards a particular goal. Both are needed to bring our creative projects to life.
So I guess the questions for today are: Have you ever felt you were inspired by a muse to create something? Have you ever felt someone you know is/was your muse? Has anyone ever called you their muse or told you that you inspired them to create? Do you pray or call out to the muses (or any other deity) when you need inspiration, but seem to be lacking?