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 Caricature of Jill is by Violette Dear Muses Column by Jill Badonsky "I want the one rapture of an inspiration." ~Gerard Manly Hopkins Use these links to read the Muses' answers to Readers' questions: Hi, and welcome to a new column at Artella. It's the "Dear Muses" column... a column where you can write in and get advice, suggestions, and random (ahem) musings to help you better maneuver the mystery of your creative magnificence. In the interest of expanding your understanding, mastery and joy of the creative process, the nine modern day Muses (and a Bodyguard) will be equipping you with wisdom, tools, perspectives, and inspiration to mobilize your elsewheres of possibilities, to defy your frustrating creative blocks, and surpass your own expectations as to what you can creatively accomplish and how... Creativity has no ceiling...as you involve yourself more in it doors fly open and life's joy becomes ever new. The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard) A Primer to catch you up: In the book by the same name, I updated the nine Greek Muses because they had been laid off in a downsizing that happened on Mount Olympus. They became ineffective because they were unable to reach the modern mortal due to the amount of distractions, rationalizations, avoidance strategies, and addictions to sensory-burst media (like TV) that we now experience. So nine new, more savvy, muses materialized, better able to help move us through those things that make us cranky because we are not getting to our creative passions. Here are the new muses and some of their mottos: Aha-phrodite, the Muse of Paying Attention and Possibilities: "Pay attention.. ideas happen everyday but you must see and listen." Albert, The Muse of Imagination and Innovation: "Break ze rules, think somethink different, zee from another perspective." Bea Silly, the Muse of Play, Laughter, and Dance: "Lighten up, have fun, dance with it, play with it, be free and do it, despite your rigid inner critic." Muse Song, The Muse of Nurturing, Encouragement and Good Company: "Treat yourself like the special instrument of creativity that you are. Hang around people who lift you higher; see the relationship of pampering to productivity." Spills, The Muse of Practice, Process, and Imperfection: "Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to be imperfect. Practice will make you excellent and embrace the discovery with which the process is filled." Audacity, The Muse of Courage and Uninhibited Uniqueness: "Be true to yourself. Dont worry what others think; mobilize courage and remember: if everyone likes what youre doing... you havent gone far enough." Lull, The Muse of Pause, Diversion, and Gratitude: "Take a break once in awhile, create a space to invite new inspiration, divert your attention with things that inspire you, be inspired by how much there is to be grateful." Shadow Muse, The Muse of Gifts of the Dark Side: "Embrace, rather than abandon, the dark side of your personality. Let anger, sadness, unlikable qualities, and your quirks be channeled into creative expression for compassion, healing, process, and connecting with others." Marge, The Muse of "Okay-Now-Lets-Get-Started": "Just get started, the inspiration will come... I have some easy ways to help you overcome, overwhelm, and defy procrastination." The Bodyguard, here to strengthen your conviction and protect you against detractors. "Access your strength; your creativity is vital and needs expression. Let nothing stop you." Visit www.themuseisin.com See the book at this Amazon link. Use these links to read the Muses' answers to Readers' questions: |