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Finding Your Muse: The Source of Inspiration and Creativity
Several months ago, I read about an intriguing idea that I initially dismissed, yet one that continued to dwell in my consciousness.
The idea was to write a poem in ten minutes or less without regard to any familiar structures usually associated with poetry, and to just allow the words to emerge without censoring or editing them. The intention being to prevent or at least diminish any overthinking or analysis.
It was also suggested that we say the words out loud as we write them, to get a sense not only of how they sounded as they were written, but also how they felt.
I eventually decided to give this a try and see what happened. I opened a new document on my computer desktop, put the date on it, set the timer for ten minutes, then sat there with my fingers poised on the keyboard, ready to go.
In the first few moments, all that happened was I heard the sound of my breathing as I gazed at the blank screen before me. Then, as if someone or something said, “go!” my fingers started roaming the keyboard and words started appearing on the page!
I found myself uttering the words as they were being typed, yet with a distinctive sense that there was another Force collaborating in the creation of this poem. I realize now this was my muse – or at least one of them.
Once it felt complete, I sat back and read through what was written and was quietly astounded that this creation, inspired by a simple suggestion that I had come across a few days ago, read so well that I didn’t feel the need to make any changes.
I was so enthused that I have continued this practice through today and have now completed 30 poems and expect to write more as I’m so inspired.
The key word is inspiration, that ineffable force that initiates the creative process and is such a natural part of our being. No matter how inspiration is prompted, it serves to fire up the imagination and can lead to the physical manifestation of that creative idea.
The Role of the Muse
We can attribute such inspiration to your muse, a word that originated in Greek mythology. The story goes that the Muses were the nine daughters of Zeus, king of gods, and Mnemosyne (NEH-mow-zeen) goddess of memory.
All nine were born after the pair lay together for nine nights in a row. Each of these goddesses was gifted with a particular artistic talent.
The Muses delighted the gods and human beings with their songs, dances, and poems and were known to inspire human artists to greater creative achievements. For those who sought their help when inspiration was needed, the Muses provided the creative spark.
Who’s Your Muse?
Whether we consciously consider any source of inspiration as a muse, today we still rely on them to initiate and nurture the creative process. You can journey to one or more of these goddesses and ask her to partner with you in the creation and development of the inspired work that you want to bring forth into the world.
Or you can discover many other potential sources of inspiration, often by placing yourself in situations and circumstances that allow it to occur naturally, thereby discovering other muses.
Immersing yourself in nature, socializing with others, or reading a passage in an article or book can be the spark for initiating the creative process. Or you can intentionally seek your muse through prayer, meditation, or shamanic journeying.
Your muse may also be another person, or other beings such as animals, plants, or minerals.
You might find that a memory comes to you that you know is your muse lighting that spark, so much so that you feel the stirrings of a source of inspiration begging to be expressed artistically.
You may have only one muse or a multitude, some that are with you for a short while, others that are around for years. Almost anything can serve as a muse, whether a book, story, movie, dream, a person, or a spirit guide.
One of my spirit guides that I journey to regularly continues to remind me to write, write, write, whether it’s an article, a poem, or chapters in a book! It can be rather demanding at times, but I am always grateful for the inspiration.
Creativity and Shamanism
As you may also know, the Society for Shamanic Practice (SSP) has recently embraced the theme of creativity as an important aspect of shamanic practice, and has created opportunities for members to submit their works for possible publication in the monthly SSP journal.
Through your shamanic practice, perhaps you have been inspired by a muse to such an extent that you were moved to bring it forth into the physical realm to share with the world.
The SSP website is a great place to see some examples of how shamanism plays an integral role in the creation of beautiful, inspirational artwork.
Integrating your shamanic practices with the creative process will delight and surprise you! As you consider your relationships with any muses in your life, you’ll find they will add and expand the creative potential that exists in your soul and is begging to be expressed and manifested in third dimensional reality.
Your work will likely become a source of inspiration to others—and whether they use the word itself or not,
you then become a muse for them!
The Nine Muses From Greek Mythology
As I mentioned earlier, each Muse (or goddess) specialized in one or more areas of artistic and creative expression. You can journey to any one of these that you feel drawn to, whether their stated areas of specialization specifically match your interests or not.
Here is a short list of each of the Muses along with their particular areas of artistic and creative expression:
Calliope: Epic poetry, music, song, dance, and eloquence (oldest Muse)
Clio: History
Euterpe (YOU-tur-pee): Lyrical song
Melpomene (mel-PAA-muh-nee): Tragedy
Terpsichore (trp-SI-kr-ee): Dance
Erato: Erotic and love poetry, mime
Polyhymnia (paa-luh-HIM-nee-uh): Sacred poetry
Urania: Astronomy
Thalia: Comedy, bucolic poetry
Consider which one of these goddesses you most closely identify with and is most closely aligned with your creative interests and passions, whether that’s poetry, song, acting, painting, sculpting or anything else. Then go on a shamanic journey to meet her and thank her for supporting your artistic expressions and working with you from the seed of inspiration to the project’s fruition.
Alternatively, you can ask your guide(s) to help you identify any other Beings in the spirit world that could serve that purpose. Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the magic of the creative process!
