The Muse and Inspiration

Have you heard from your Muse lately? If not, perhaps it’s time to invite her in!

In classical mythology, there were nine goddesses who presided over learning and the arts. They were daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (no, that’s not misspelled!) who was the goddess of memory. They became known as the Muses and served as a source of inspiration when summoned by humans. 

One of mine is my artist Muse who is fluttering around like a maniacal little fairy these days. Sometime the touch of her wand is like a gentle kiss on my temple, sometimes like an explosion in my heart.

She moves at her own pace – sometimes like a recalcitrant child if I have been ignoring her, sometimes an overeager bee. But constantly circling, waiting to be welcomed. Although we may process gifts from our Muse with our minds, we receive her through our senses – sight, touch, sound, smell, taste. 

Here’s an example – I have been working on a painting and reached a stopping point – not because the laundry needed to be done, the phone rang, or it was dinner time – just done for a bit. I left it out where I could see it and when I walked by it yesterday the “Aha!” moment hit – shorten one of the arms, add some  yellow to the background – I was back in the game. Thank you, Muse!

The wonderful thing about Muses is that they can inspire you for all sorts of things -not just artistic pursuits.

I often write down inspirations – a color that grabbed me, a sound that elicited a memory. It’s a lovely way to reconnect with my Muse when I have been wandering around the outer world too long. Not a “shoulda, woulda, coulda” list – it’s a reminder to live in wonder and awe and see where that takes me. You might enjoy doing this, too!

Ask yourself :

What color, sounds, scents move me?

What has brought me joy?

What am I curious about?

Where will your Muse appear this week? Welcome her with joy!  Patty & Suzanne