Inspiration
I just wrote this in a letter to a fellow writer. Perhaps worth throwing it on the waters. Read it quick before I change my mind and take it down ...
I've heard many writers talk about inspiration, etc, as a muse, a voice, as something outside that calls and you write it down, like taking dictation. And that happens to me, too. I'm inclined (trained?) to see that Something in divine terms, which not everyone does –- but still, I've heard people talk about it, and it's familiar.
But also, I think sometimes this Something calls, and something else, something inside, answers. ("there is an oracle in my heart...." Psalm 36). And more rarely still, the heart calls, and Something answers. And there is a moving through, from the divine inside to the divine outside, and back -- like circular breathing. ("inspire" -- "to breathe in" or "to breathe into") It has little to do with the mind. And this thing – which feels the same to me as prayer – this thing I've not heard anyone talk about.
(I do take more medication than the folks that don't talk about it.... A marvel that something speaks, a fear that I might simply be crazy.)
3 Comments
I like it. Although I sort of consider it as responding to the outside world. Go glance at Rilke’s letters to a young poet.
Don’t take it down. This is a conversation we’ve had before, a conversation that has meaning, and needs to be discussed more than it is. I spent 12 years in Catholic school, and they never defined prayer in these terms! I agree with you that inspiration seems to come from the Divine, and that creativity is our answer to that call from the Divine. When we create, we are taking part in a conversation, which could explain why so much that we create evolves as time goes on. If you want to discuss this more, feel free to write or call. Finals week is coming up, and I could use the study break!
erin, just to tell you again how much i enjoy — that’s not right — breath in? — your work. always a new turning for me.
i slip in here late at night, sleeping pills making me drowsy & open at once.
keep doing these beautiful pictures textures words.
thanks.
sb