In today's bizarre political climate the word
"integrity" has been bantered about quite a lot lately. This term simply means
"to become integral." This is an important quest because humans are complex
beings and combinations of many different facets. Unless we attempt to meld these facets
into some sort of cohesive whole, we will remain fragmented, disjointed, incongruent. We
will be without knowledge of our true centers, and in essence we will be without
integrity.
In order to accomplish being integral and becoming
more whole and fully integrated, we need to carefully examine what we hold most dear, and
name those things we value above all others. In naming and defining these
precious things we need
to be truthful -- for these are our muses, our sources of inspiration
and renewal.
Why is this process important?
First, the
process of honest self-examination is a way toward health at different levels, and
it will
readily help identify what motivates and inspires us. Also, personal reflection may
help begin the revealing
of the thing(s) that nurtures and inspires our muses. Forms of inspiration are vital to our
happiness and important to sustaining our existence.
Next, the processes involved in defining self
forms a bond that gives each of us a special and unique persona. Acts
of
self-definition, active and deep reflection, and periodic sessions of intense inner self-examination,
these keep us centered, balanced, and insightful. These kinds of processes aid
us in developing acute awareness of who and what we are, of why we are here, and ultimately, in helping to
define that which directs our lives and helps us find bliss.
Reflective Questions:
The following questions are designed to help you
in finding, maintaining, and caring for your muse(s). But none of the exercises, books,
techniques in the world will help or work unless you honestly examine what makes you tick.
Please note there are no right or wrong answers --- there are only your answers.
So, take a moment, sit down and think about
your life. It may help to answer the following questions. You may find that your answers
are about much the same things or are very similar in theme or nature. Some of you may not like your answers. Remember,
muses are not always attractive, socially acceptable, moral, or loveable. (Some common
answers might be: power, wealth, position, children, home, family, professional expertise, respect,
love, physical pleasure, amassing material goods, physical thrills, security, social
harmony, food, and so forth.)
Self-assessment Questions:
Try to be very honest with yourself!
1. What moves you -- physically, spiritually,
and emotionally?
2. What is really important to you?
3. What things do you cherish or revere?
4. On what aspects of your life are you
unwilling to compromise?
5. What purposes define your life?
6. What makes you feel vital and alive?
7. What inspires you?
8. What drives you?
9. What enthuses and excites you?
10. What provokes you?
11. What lifts you out of yourself?
12. What things help you define and focus on
certain goals?
Now go back and look at this list of questions
again. How many of the things listed are things that you have defined for yourself? How
many were simply things that have been defined by others for you? After you have answered
those two questions, you may wish to give other answers to the questions above
concentrating on giving your own answers .
This exercise should help you identify your
muse(s). Remember, being integral implies that you need to be true to these values.
One of the unfortunate ramifications of letting others distract you from your sources of
inspiration means you may become uninspired and/or unfulfilled. If you find that you didn't like what you discovered about your
muses, then you have some serious inner work to do.
Muse Index |
Creativity Index
