Lessons I’ve Learnt 13 – Do You Have a Muse?

The term Muse comes from ancient Greek mythology and refers to any of the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. (Zeus was a bit of a ladies man so the exact number of daughters is a little blurry). Three of his daughters inspired my needlework design “Three Graces”.

Basically, for the artistic type a Muse inspires the creation. A beautiful woman may inspire a man to write poetry. Beautiful prose may inspire a woman to paint. Throughout time artists of all kinds have had their work influenced and inspired by a Muse.

A Muse may not be aware of their power, their control , or even the Artist. They may have no special skills, talents or knowledge. Just being is enough for the Artist.

And if creative inspiration is all the Artist seeks from their Muse then  all will be good. If the Artist seeks more; more guidance in the financial sector, more connection to the publicity machine, more direction in business planning etc then the Muse may let them down. Not deliberately and certainly not out of any malicious intent. Simply because that is not what a Muse does.

Play nice with your Muse. Do not expect more than they can give. Take their unselfish gift of inspiration and use it in the spirit it which it was given.

I leave you with a word from I am TheMuse.
”my definition of a muse is something or someone that instills inspiration (more often than creative artistic inspiration, but a muse can also inspire soulful contemplation).
If a muse is defined by inspiration, then it is imperative that we have one or several in our lives. Certainly in our business and artistic ventures. Our inner muse helps us step out of the box and reach out to newer venues and higher goals.”