Recalling Greek mythology, the three lady goddesses known as muses (Mousai), were an inspirational trio, being the creative force -- whispering into the ears of the entertainment superstars serving the Olympians. Dance, music, song and poetry were their domain -- Apollo, Homer and Terpsichore could Google them up when in need of revitalization.
Then I started musing about the word muse itself. Contained within is the word "us", which has a democratic ring about it, implying that earthlings also have an app for accessing awakening. The last three letters of the word Muse are "use," which makes it obvious that muses are universal in function and form!
Historically, only men have muses. Shakespeare had his Dark Lady. John Lennon doted on Yoko Ono. Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan exalted "it girl" Edie Sedgwick. However J. K. Rowling used her chemistry teacher, John Vettleship, as a model for Snape in her Harry Potter series.
Since women also have muses I shall disclose that my major one is my Siamese cat, Muffie.
Muffie is a "by invitation only" creature -- one would never dream of scooping her up for a cuddle or kiss. My one opportunity for affectionate contact is after her breakfast and my coffee when I ask if she would like some sugar. She understands this to mean that she may join me in bed, where she lies on my stomach atop a large teeshirt, kneading and sucking on it, purring while I hold and pet her. (I'm told this activity happens when kittens are weaned too early -- a lifelong unbreakable habit.)
I enter a state of pure bliss during this time, knowing that Muffie is my ticket to a higher realm. Animals enter this dimension easily since they do not have reasoning minds which tell them it is impossible -- I get in by her grace! Of course I always thank her for the lovely experience.
Listening to music is another method, casting a spell over the home which I share with Miss Muffie. In fact, the word "music" is derived from the same Greek root, meaning "art of the muses."
Recently I had some painting done to remove mold from my bathroom. The painter, Jose, from Venezuela, didn't speak much English but he understood the universal language of music. We listened to jazz and operatic arias while he worked, filling the house with joy and peace.
All of this is a manifestation of that which is the highest aspect of existence, shared by all life.
Like all practices worth pursuing, meditating with the muses, earthly or otherwise, whatever form this takes, enriches life immeasurably, enabling communication with the best guidance in order to produce the finest of which we are capable.
Consider the connection between the words muse and museum, a place which houses objects of lasting interest and value, i.e., that which has sprung from a higher source.
Muffie, my muse-in-residence, just interrupted with a few thoughts:
What if there is an untapped medical muse who knows how to achieve and maintain perfect health?
What if there is an insider political muse who can penetrate the minds and hearts of our leaders for the good of all?
What if there is a manners muse who could revitalize the concept of consideration?
Muffie! You have OD'd on catnip again!!!
P.S.: My friend Sel found this blog... A-muse-ing.
Do you realize that we all have an intuitive muse available to us? All we have to do is extend an invitation.
My next blog will shed more light -- tune in next week.
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