Workings of a Muse

February 14, 2023 Cognitive Insights No Comments

Whether in poetry, visual art, architecture, or a new scientific theory, something happens in the creation process that transcends mere conceptual thinking. Many creators denote this as the workings of a Muse.

My case

When writing, almost always, I am more or less surprised by what spontaneously comes out, as if it’s not altogether me who is writing this. Certainly, it’s not altogether my ego.

I say ‘almost.’ Sometimes, the ego takes over, especially if I want to enforce the writing process. Not surprisingly, the quality of the writing deteriorates in such instances, and I may need to rework the written text.

The spontaneity in writing is an aspect of non-conscious processing.

It doesn’t mean I am channeling, but I see why it can feel this way to some other writers/thinkers. What happens outside the ego may feel like coming from outside the total person, but that is, of course, not necessarily the case.

With proper respect for Inner Strength, there is no need for any channel to some metaphysical source ― which the ego may want to hijack again for its own control.

At the deeper level, this is the processing of mental-neuronal patterns, where much happens continually in a parallel and distributed (and scientifically underpinned) way. I also recognize a lot of my process of inspiration in many features of subconceptual processing.

I like to feel this as the ‘workings of a Muse.’

This makes the present text quite remarkable in that this Muse is now writing about herself.

I might need to be careful.

Herself?

Yes, definitely feminine.

I encounter and recognize the Muse in what lies behind any extraordinarily beautiful feminine aspect. There is undeniably eroticism involved, with the reserve that eros/erotic desire also lies behind what may show as sexuality ― but not necessarily.

Several male artists speak highly of their ‘Muse’ ― sometimes a natural person, sometimes not. In any case, it’s pretty understandable. Personifying what happens non-consciously has merits IF one stays aware of the symbolic nature thereof. Crucial is the experience.

This is relevant to religion as well as any other form of highly qualitative poetry.

Still, no channeling involved.

Anyway, my Muse wouldn’t appreciate my thinking so, as if I would be seeking somewhere else the treasure that has already been given at home.

I think I will abide by this.

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

Practicalities of Free Will

Free will is a term that stands for many concepts, and within each concept for a cloud of meaningfulness. That doesn’t make it practically less important. Terms and concepts Also, this doesn’t mean there are many free will’s. That would mean one can fight about what is the correct free will. Such fighting is done Read the full article…

Does Mental Warmth Need Mental Depth?

We all recognize warmth when we feel it. A kind smile, a reassuring voice, the sense that someone truly sees us. Mental warmth gives us a feeling of safety, acceptance, and connection. But does it always come from a place of depth? People can be friendly without being particularly profound. But there’s a difference between Read the full article…

Mental Depth as Distributed Patterns

Mental depth is a fascinating and essential aspect of the human experience, defined by the interplay of broadly distributed mental-neuronal patterns (MNPs). These patterns, which integrate conscious and subconceptual processes, reveal the profound connection between mind and body, as well as between individuals and their environment. Exploring mental depth allows us to understand how shared Read the full article…

Translate »