Two Kinds of Muses

Image credit: Ankara University.

If you are paying attention, you will be sent two kinds of Muses.

Let’s call the first one the Inspiration Muse. And let’s called the second one the Suffering Muse.

Sometimes, these are two different people. Sometimes they can both be found in the same person. Sometimes they will be strangers that you cross paths with once. Sometimes they will be friends you will know forever.

The Inspiration Muse is the classic muse from mythology. This is the muse that brings creativity and insight. This muse reminds you of your light side; what makes you whole and worthy. S/he will stir passions, awaken confidence, spark innovation and action. The Inspiration Muse will often arrive as a mentor or a sage. This means there’s a temptation or tendency to worship or guru-ize this person. They are not a savior. Of course, some people will come into your life disguised as Inspiration Muses — but if they want you to see them as a savior, they are not an Inspiration Muse.

The Suffering Muse is often mistaken as a tormentor. After all, who likes suffering? But that’s not what this muse is about. This muse invites you into the wound. S/he helps you touch all of the most painful parts and convert them into art. This muse forces you to explore your dark side; makes you examine where you feel hurt, where you feel self-loathing. This muse is like a machete or…