Finding Inspiration When The Muse Calls In Sick

Finding inspiration in a world full of nay-sayers may just be one of the most challenging feats of our time. But what if we're looking in the wrong place? What if, by looking elsewhere, we're actually letting it slip on by?

The word literally means 'to breathe upon'. The Greeks took it a step further, maintaining that it was a furor poeticus; a kind of divine frenzy or poetic madness. In the book 'Poetics', it was argued that the poet breaks through to the world of divine truth or divine apprehension temporarily and is compelled by that vision to create. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

So what if the Muses really do have something to do with inspiration? What if your Muse just doesn't show up one day and leaves you to your own puny human powers, staring blankly at your canvas (or empty page, or whatever), with nary a creative ort to be found? Then what?

The fabulous Elizabeth Gilbert made a compelling argument when she spoke for TED (see ted.com). She said, "we've completely internalized and accepted collectively this notion that somehow creativity and suffering are inherently linked. And that artistry, in the end, will always ultimately lead to anguish."

It's true. These are the things we've been led to believe since the days of the Muse disappeared. Because back then, the artist was not held accountable for any blockages or disastrous result. It was the Muse. Nice way to pass the buck and not have your head cut off if your work did not please the King.

I think it's a grand idea. To start your day by alerting your Muse that it's time to get busy. If she doesn't show up, it's not your fault. Of course, that doesn't mean you don't show up. You do. You show up and you do what moves you, whether your Muse is there or out tanning at the pool. If you are an artist, of any genre, it's not something you even really have a choice about doing (or not). You're compelled. You MUST create. Or you can't breathe.

So when inspiration is nowhere to be found, the Muse is missing, and you're on a deadline, the next best thing...? I say you walk away for a bit. You go do something that is NOT your art. Water your garden. Pull some weeds. Go for a walk. Give the dog a bath. Vaccuum under the furniture. Anything to take your mind off the fact that the Muse is missing and you've got nada. Because, in the end, what I've delightedly discovered is that inspiration is an inside job. Just like wellness. Just like joy. The Muse may be on vacation in Venice, eating panini and enjoying a bottle of red wine, but you don't have to stop being the genius that you are. You have your own connection to the Divine, and you most certainly have the power to step through that veil, into the furor poeticus and have a word with the gods whenever you wish. It's not about the Muse. It's about knowing it's there, at all times, if you will just be still enough to let it in.

One more note: regardless of your 'artistic' nature, this little video (with Miss Gilbert) is really worth the 18 minutes. It'll inspire you! (giggle)