The creative process generally requires large blocks of solitude. I know from experience that this is the case when I'm writing or seeking the answer to some life-question. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, in his Sermons on the Song of Songs, informs us that one of the reasons why solitude is necessary is on account of the shyness of God. "Can you not see how shy your Love is," he asks, "that he will never come to you when others are present?" Bernard goes on to remind us that even Jesus had to spend whole nights alone in prayer. I find it fascinating to imagine that the Divine Muse has an element of shyness. We so often criticize ourselves when we go through periods when our creativity seems to dry up. What if instead we imagined that the Muse wants to reveal something especially profound to the world, but is hesitant to do so without the encouragement we offer by giving our full attention to what She is about to say?
Photo: A solitary Fremont Cottonwood leaf rests on a stout root; Horsetooth Reservoir, Larimer County, CO; October 23, 2013
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