Multicultural Muses

An Interview with My Inner Muse

This wonderful creative spirit inspires, surprises, and delights me at every turn.

By Molly J. Anderson-Childers | Updated September 10, 2018

Today, we journey into a strange, savage land, populated by artists everywhere — the creative soul's innermost chamber, secret sanctuary of the Inner Muse.

Being an artist or writer is tough work, but you can make it easier if you learn to connect with your own Inner Muse; when you can inspire yourself, you'll be unstoppable!

In an effort to re-connect with my own Inner Muse, I've decided to interview her today, and see what can discover about this radiant, mysterious being who captivates me so.

Q: What is your name?

A: Serendipity; Penelope; Isis; Red Jane the Daring; Lily Blue, the American Gypsy Queen; Kali Ma, Creator and Destroyer of All. I am she of a thousand names, yet no name truly suits me, for a mere word cannot describe all that I am.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in a shoe store, selling sandals in the summer and snow-boots in the winter… well, everyone starts somewhere! Finally, I got sick of looking at people's feet, and so I quit and came to work here.

Q: And how did you find this fabulous job?

A: I applied to be your Inner Muse when your parents met. When you were born, I was hired immediately. The first few years were a little boring, but you soon learned to sing and dance, read books, and scribble on the walls with crayons. My job became a lot more interesting after that.

Q: Was it easier to work with me as a child, or do you prefer working with my adult self?

A: It was definitely easier to inspire you when you were younger. You had more free time for creative pursuits, and you were much easier to impress. Any old idea would do. The work is more challenging now, there is more pressure to give you only excellent ideas — and on a deadline, at that. I like deadlines because they give you a little extra push.

Like yourself, I distrust easy tasks. I love a challenge. Right now, even though I'm working harder than ever, I'm also having a lot more fun with you than I did when you were younger.

Q: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job?

A: I'd have to say, it's your habit of procrastination.

It drives me crazy. Why do you wait until the last minute to do everything, why? Sometimes you waste the creative time available in your already tight schedule, then complain there isn't enough time in the day to do it all.

There is plenty of time to do everything you have always dreamed of doing, but you must use that time wisely, not waste it. Your attitude towards time seems to be one of lack, rather than abundance. Know this: you have enough time, all the time there is. And when you're doing what you love, and focusing all your attention on it, time is meaningless. It stretches out like an immense taffy, sticky and warm. Time is a precious gift, not a cruel dominatrix.

If, however, you spend a great portion of your day doing something that does not feed your creative soul, you'll feel flustered when you DO get into the studio at last, because you have so much to do, and you're already exhausted from a day at the office. You have wasted time, and your soul knows it on a deep level. This can cause panic, fear, stress, insomnia, the whim-whams, the heebie-jeebies, and the flip-flops. Make a new clock and live on your terms, refuse to be enslaved by time! Good servant. Terrible master.

Q: What is the most rewarding, fabulous, fun aspect of your job?

A: I love to see the finished work that comes from the spark I ignited in your heart. It seems like the act of a conjurer when you create something beautiful and new. Often, the finished product surprises and delights me, and is completely unexpected.

It's also very gratifying to see your work getting some public recognition at last. It's been amazing to see you blossom over the past few years; you have brought so many beautiful things to the public eye.

(Note: Busted! My Inner Muse is absolutely correct. Even as I type these words, I'm smiling — she knows me too well! I am, indeed, typing these words at the last minute, trying wildly to finish before deadline. And she has certainly altered my perceptions about time.)

Try This!

Make your own clock. Paint or draw a new kind of timepiece. Instead of hours, minutes and seconds, find a new way to keep time. Maybe it could show different things you love to do, or the way you'd spend your ideal day. SARK books, as well as the best selling Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, include some very interesting timepieces and devices used to control time. Play with time, and find out what happens!

Q: What are your goals for the future?

A: I'd like to see you really spread your wings, and soar to unexpected heights. As you continue to mingle creative and spiritual work, your soul will reach a state of glowing, burning incandescence and unity with the Divine. It's all going to happen for you — your work will transcend the mundane, the trendy, and break all the rules. You will give hope and joy to the oppressed, and spread delight in the hearts of many. You will lead a revolution of beauty, passion and spirit.

Q: Wow, I don't know if I'm ready to lead a revolution just yet. I'm still in my bathrobe! What can I do to prepare myself for these successes?

A: You must continue to write and create honestly, from a deep place in the heart. You must take many risks, make many leaps of faith. And you must learn to take exquisite care of yourself. It is essential to fill the well to overflowing in order for you to sustain your creative fire. This means you need to learn to spoil yourself a little — or maybe a lot! You work hard, and you deserve it. Youneed it more than anyone I know.

Creating something beautiful from a mere idea, a puff of wind, is difficult work. So I challenge you to rest when you are weary, to conserve your time and energy for the important things in life, and let the little things take care of themselves. You will heal many hearts with your work; but you must heal yourself first.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want; you shall receive it, quick as winking. Focus on your creative and spiritual work, and give all your heart to those you love. The rest will follow, and your life will be beautiful. Laugh. Dance. Find the things that make you glow inside. Love hard. Dream your wildest dreams, and know that they are all coming true right now, if you'll only let them.

Q: Now for my next question…

My Inner Muse interrupts, "Wait a minute. I want to interview you now."

"That's not how this works."

She rebels against me immediately. "My question for you is this: What is your most cherished dream? I also want to know, what would make your heart blaze with joy? When did you last feel completely free? Which part of you is a woman, and which part of you is still a pure and innocent little girl?"

I can say nothing. I burn with jealousy, for her questions are much better than mine.

"Don't answer in a hurry," she continues. "Take all the time you need. You don't have to answer them here for everyone to read, but you must answer them for yourself. To find the most precious treasures, you must dig more deeply than ever before. Bare your soul on the naked page. Bring these gems to light; use their opal and ruby-lit brilliance light your way as you travel this dark path."

And with a curt nod, she disappears into thin air with a loud "POP!" She vanishes too soon, leaving me with her questions racing through my mind, and maybe a few answers, too.

Try This! A Perfect Project to Amuse Your Muse

Interview your Inner Muse. She may challenge you, surprise you, or make you laugh. Whatever happens, it's bound to be an interesting chat. Write it down in a journal, and feel free to pick up the conversation again anytime.

You can also get to know your Inner Muse more deeply by painting her portrait, or depicting her in a collage, a drawing, or even a cartoon! Make an Inner Muse coloring book, journal, or doll. You can even sculpt a statue of your Muse from clay.

Next Muse: Zarpandit: Ruler of the Moon and Night

MUSES TO INSPIRE CREATIVITY

An Interview with My Inner Muse

This wonderful creative spirit inspires, surprises, and delights me at every turn.

Try This!

Try This! A Perfect Project to Amuse Your Muse

MUSES TO INSPIRE CREATIVITY

9 Greek Muses

Elemental and Multicultural Muses

Badonsky's Nine Modern Day Muses