Most of my best ideas or most creative periods, the most productive and satisfying efforts I can point to happened either accidentally seemingly out of nowhere, or during a serious life-threatening health crisis (I've had a couple), or when I've been under severe mental stress - whether it was natural or the result of drug use. At this place in life I know that ideas are "thoughts" and all thoughts come from a level of consciousness that we can integrate into our waking life, which I've learned to do.
Most of my best ideas or most creative periods, the most productive and satisfying efforts I can point to happened either accidentally seemingly out of nowhere, or during a serious life-threatening health crisis (I've had a couple), or when I've been under severe mental stress - whether it was natural or the result of drug use. At this place in life I know that ideas are "thoughts" and all thoughts come from a level of consciousness that we can integrate into our waking life, which I've learned to do.
Many of my creative inspirations come from "out of nowhere!" I think our muses love to surprise us!