I believe that we each have something that makes us want to be better people, be  better at something, feel better inside. Whether it is a single thing or many things, the overall concept of inspiration can be called our muse.

I love the feeling of tapping into my muse, my inspiration. The connection can come out of the blue, which feels like a real gift because it is a surprise. (Although I could argue that it shouldn’t be such a surprise because it’s likely I put the thought/prayer out there at some point.)

The connection can come after studiously seeking it out at a conference, by reading a book or watching a film, or by putting myself near someone or something that jazzes me from my scalp to my heels. Do you know that feeling? It’s like every bit of me is working at capacity, humming with energy. Although it is mostly a very happy vibration, it can also be an intensity born of frustration. Energy dedicated to flipping frustration to hope to accomplishment.

How do you connect with your muse?  Do you seek solitiude, or do you seek connection?

Is your muse a person? I recall many biographies that called out an individual as someone’s muse. Artists and writers seem to require human, individual muses. What a lot of pressure that would be, to be someone’s muse. Certainly it would be flattering, but I am not sure I’d want that job. Talk about codependence!

How do you know that you are “on fire” with a project or an idea? Can you feel it? Is it in your gut? Do you sit up straighter? Squint your eyes? Tuck your tongue between your teeh in concentration? Do you breathe a little deeper? Is your heartbeat faster?

I believe my muse is in nature and people more than anything else. I am awed and humbled by the intricate beauty and luscious smell of tropical flowers, the layered colors and textures of rocks, water beading on a brilliant green leaf, technicolor sunsets, and the complexity and variety of bark and skin. I am awed and humbled by the brilliant thoughts in people’s heads, their ability to remember things I don’t, their sparkling eyes when they have a great idea or a moment of joy, their willingness to try something that might make them look silly, their silent acceptance, their ability to freely share great ideas.

My muse is alive all around me. I only need to take a moment to look, to feel, to trust.