Finding Your Muse
I had so many fabulous questions from the Ways to Connect With Your Muse Webinar that I decided to share some of them here with my responses over the next few weeks. I would love to hear from you if you have a question or particular area you would like me to address about creativity and creative art expression.
What exactly is a Muse? How does one know if one has one? And what should one look for to find your muse? Thanks in advance.
Originally, Muse refers to the Greek myth any of nine sister goddesses each of whom were seen as protectors of a different art or science. Muse then came to mean to people another person who inspired them in their art, whether visual arts, writing, music or dance. The Free Dictionary defines a modern muse as “the source of an artist’s inspiration”. If you look at the word muse as a verb it is defined as
“to reflect (about) or ponder (on), usually in silence
….. to gaze thoughtfully.”
Generally though, people think of muses as someone or something inspiring out side of themselves. This is not my definition of a Muse. I believe each and every one of us has our own Inner Muse. We have our own source of inspiration within, we just need to own it. Of course many of us need to find it first. Let me assure though, your Muse, she is there, inside of you. She may be buried underneath a mountain of discouraging messages collected along the path of life, but she is there.
To find your muse you first need to be open to the idea that she actually exists inside of you. That is to say you need to believe that you are a creative being. To know that you have a muse inside may not come easily to you due to beliefs you picked up along your path. I encourage you to think of a time in your life where you engaged in your day creatively. Prehaps it was a party that you planned which you felt alive putting together, or a poem or picture you created when you were young which brought a proud smile to your face. Maybe it was a fantastic decorating job you did in one particular room or the way you felt inspired to sing or dance one day (alone or in front of others) that made you feel fantastic.
Can you think of a time like that, either in the past or recently? Close your eyes now and imagine a scene where you were engaged creatviely. What were you doing, and more importantly how were you feeling? Was it a good feeling? Perhaps you felt a little nervous but you were still excited about what you were doing. That feeling like “this is great”, “I’m really enjoying this” (as you are doing it or after). That feeling that you have when you have just birthed something new and shared it, manifesting it through your actions. Can you recall it? Can you feel those feelings now as you think back? Those are the feelings that remind you that you are creative. They point you in the direction of your muse within.
To find your muse you need to open the space up within for her to breathe. Once there is the mental space for creativity to unfold it will flow, your Muse will be evident. Your eyes only need to be open to the possibilities. Whether you are noticing the creative ways you interact with the world in big or in small ways. That is your Muse making an appearance.
The main thing you will notice when you connect with your muse is a feeling of connection with Self and the simple joy that brings.
To find your Muse you may need to define her first. Who is she? Describe her personality. Define your Muse. No two Muses are alike. Your creative process will be very different from another’s’ and once you accept this you make the room for your Muse to breathe. She doesn’t need endless comparisons bogging her down. She needs you to believe in her!
Art Exercise:
Define your muse: Flip through magazines and rip some magazine pictures out quickly while thinking of the notion of your inner muse. Use these pictures to represent or define who your muse is and the areas in your life you may find her.
Where have you found your Muse hiding and how did you find her? Share your answers below!
