The Greek 9 Muses who inspire creativity

Massage enhances creativity.  There are no ifs, and, or buts about it.  The relaxation that occurs stimulates inspiration, because a relaxed mind and body are more receptive to creative impulses than when you’re tense.

While receiving an Indonesian massage on a luxury yacht off the coast of Thailand, I gained inspiration for this blog, as well as for one on tuning in to what your massage clients experience from your treatments.  During previous massages, I’ve received ideas for other blogs, for new workshops that I’d eventually give, and for new books and mini-books that I’d write.

If you’d like to have more creative people on your client roster, talk to existing clients who are in the creative arts and ask them for testimonial quotes about how your massages awaken their creativity, both during a session as well as after.  Then, create a brochure on massage and creativity, and target local creative people: actors, directors and theater companies; dancers, choreographers, and their companies; writers and writer groups; painters, sculptors, and art schools; musicians, orchestras, and music schools.

Once you’ve completed the brochure—and had it edited and proofread by another pair of eyes—snail mail it to the heads of these organizations.  Tell them that massage is a great boon to creative people, as the enclosed brochure indicates.  Describe your background, and let them know you work with many creative people.  Finally, indicate that you’ll follow up with a phone call in a week.  Make a note to do just that.  Then, get ready for some fascinating new clients.

The 9 Muses

One of the best ways to deepen your connection to your Muse—your creative Source–is an exercise called Discovery Writing.  It taps the infinite creativity of your subconscious mind to enhance your creative output; increase income; enrich relationships; organize your life; deepen your spiritual connection, and so on.

Here’s how it works. Write one objective you want to work on at the top of the page.  Let’s say it’s “20 Things I Can Do to Increase My Income 25 Per Cent this Month.”  (If you want to double your income, then use that as a goal.)  Then, for two minutes, keep your pen moving. Set a timer.  Jot down whatever is in your mind, even if no sensible income-stimulating idea is there, never letting the pen be idle for a second.  Even if it’s seemingly off-topic like “chocolate chip cookies.” Who knows—maybe you can make money selling the cookies you bake in your spare time. (Debbi Fields sure did before she thrived as Mrs. Fields.)  Maybe you just need an occasional milk and cookies break. Your inner child might be trying to give you a tip that all work and no cookies make you a dull boy. The act of letting creative juices flow without editorial censorship opens you to provocative ideas from the Unconscious.  From this, I developed new workshop ideas, ideas for books, and names of people who could expand my work.  After two minutes, put down your pen and look at your list. If any idea appeals to your rational mind, consider acting upon it the way you’d act upon any good idea.