The Muse - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.

How does one define a muse? The dictionary definition would describe it as the following:

1. (In Greek and Roman mythology) each of nine Goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who preside over the arts and sciences.

2. A person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist.

Many an artist had a physical person as their muse, the object of their affection, desire and love - the latter being a hugely powerful force majeure upon the artist. One prime example is that of Yeats and his unrequited love for his 'muse', Maud Gonne, a driven English-born Irish republican revolutionary, suffragette and actress.

It would appear that his multiple rejected offers of marriage to Maud only spurred him to greater efforts and works of poetry.

Writing from the heart is a powerful, but draining experience, and any creative running off this mode of inspiration will soon run dry, or simply break, unable to control the turmoil of swelling emotion broiling from within, especially if it is based on a painful, disruptive, and sometimes toxic relationship.

The other form of muse is one of a spiritual nature. This can be based on the individual's psyche, their faith, belief or ritualistic practices. Healers also claim a connection to a muse, some referring to them as angels or spirits.

I have no objection to this line of approach, as each person is different be it creatively, spiritually, physically and emotionally. Many a well-know atheist has suddenly experienced a crisis or moment of clarity, which has led them to proclaim their faith in God, to name several: C. S. Lewis - Oxford Professor and writer, Salvador Dali - famous Spanish painter, Evelyn Waugh - British novelist, and Paul Jones - musician and lead singer of Manfred Man.

Just a handful of converts from atheism or being agnostic, seemingly moved by a higher power - muse? - to a life of religious purpose and worship. Some of the most notable creative minds created their best works AFTER accepting religion and the existence of God into their lives.

Is this a muse? I cannot say. I can only relate my own, personal experience, and for me, I would not class it as religious in any way, shape or form. Mine was more of a connection to a flow of inspiration, ideas, creativity and seemingly endless energy of the mind. No task seemed too great, or too small. Effort was never a consideration. When connected to my muse everything flowed, almost to the point of being effortless. My writing voice had a tonality I now envy and regret losing.

I consider myself to be agnostic, but I will say that I have experienced the power and influence of a muse. Sadly I seem to have lost that connection, but then, I am a different person compared to the one who started this blog back in 2011. In part, for the better, but in part I feel for the worse. I miss and mourn my creative muse of old.

Do I know how to regain it? No. Not a clue. I find that frustrating to the extreme.

There are times when I think I can feel that familiar old spark, but then it's gone, leaving me clutching at empty thoughts, and wisps of ideas, unable to hold them fast and convert them into words.

If you are reading this, a creative mind that has boundless inspiration and creativity pouring out of your finger tips, then thank your lucky stars. Thank your muse, and do not take it for granted. Appreciate the gift you've been given. You truly have been blessed.

For every one of you, there are tens of us wallowing in a sea of lost ideas, treading water far above the sunken wreck of our creativity, hoping that one day we'll be saved and reunited with our muse. The sad fact is, that for some of us that will never happen. 

Don't let that be you.

I leave you with something calming and relaxing for your mind, body and soul.

Enjoy, until next time.