Starting the day cruising along Sydney harbour is the perfect way to get to work in the city. One of my go-to books for the commute is Danielle LaPorte’s The Fire Starter Sessions and from time to time I will get stuck into a chapter or two for inspiration. On a recent work day morning, I dived into a section on creativity, art and musing. I was really captivated by her thoughts on how to tune in to your muse and soon discovered that with a little practice, it could become one of your most powerful assets.
Until now, I associated the word muse with Greek mythology or more ironically Karl Largerfeld and his string of Hollywood sirens. But through Danielle LaPorte’s writing, it was clear that everyone has a muse whether they know it or not. The tricky part is working out the best way to tap into its power.
In simple terms, your muse can be described as your ‘creative sense’. Those moments when you get a random burst of energy and a flurry of creative ideas ensue. It is in these moments that we feel alive and ready to create!
Danielle LaPorte raises two important points when learning how to tap into your muse – a) knowing what environment she shows up in, and b) how to respect her when she does. She notes:
certain conditions are more optimal for some people’s muses than others: interaction, movement, nature and contemplation
These are just some of the settings she might show up. When the ideas come a flooding, it is your choice whether you choose to act.
After reflecting on this for a while, I discovered that my creative muse shows up at a time when I feel really free – usually exercising, in the outdoors and away from the distractions of the city. Some might think I’m a little bit crazy, because running is a very physical and stimulating activity therefore, traditionally not conducive to creativity.
For others, yoga, meditation or even the shower might provide better conditions for musing. But from my own experience, the ability to relax into the body and allow the mind to freely move in and out of thought, opens up the pathways for creativity to flow – more easily than when I put myself under pressure to create. It is funny to think that your muse can show up in the most ironic of places, but that is the beauty and mystery of it all.
Has this left you inspired to find out more about your muse? If so, I suggest you read more of Danielle LaPorte’s work here or better still, dive into a copy of The Fire Starter Sessions. She is one wise woman who has certainly changed my life in a big way!
