Inspiration Mashup #2

Creative snippets to spark the soul’s inner fire.

My cat’s got soul.

A few tidbits worthy of sharing as we bring the merry month of May to a close. I’ll publish the Inspiration Mashup from time to time, when I have a small collection of wonders to share (here’s I.M. #1 in case you missed it).

What I’m reading

Thomas Moore’s Care of the Soul. I discovered this book when it first came out in 1992. I was drawn in, but wasn’t quite ready to absorb it at the age of 21. I needed more life experience. It is richer than a flourless chocolate torte.

Moore explains, “’Soul’ is not a thing, but a quality or a dimension of experiencing life and ourselves. It has to do with depth, value, relatedness, heart and personal substance.” If you want to learn to listen to the voice of Soul, this book is for you. If you’re drawn to understand symptoms (i.e. “issues” or “problems”) as the voice of Soul, this book is for you. If you’re tired of rational, glitzy, and branded approaches to life via media or culture or society; if you’re ready to go deeper and into a truly authentic way of relating to self, this book is for you. Chapter topics include The Gifts of Depression (which I wrote about in my article, The Dark Night of the Soul); archetypes of Father, Mother, and Child; and the myths of narcissism and Self-Love.

My favorite way to read books is early in the morning. A small chapter or section at a time. Then, I turn to pen and notebook for reflection.

Quote of the month

“The world is only as free as it allows its artists to be.” – Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

“If there were anything you might stand for, it would be to defend this creative autonomy. Not just from outside censors, but from the voices in your head that have internalized what’s considered acceptable. The world is only as free as it allows its artists to be.” – Rick Rubin

Another fabulous quote (found in Care of the Soul)

“Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.” ~ Wendell Berry

YES.

Bird of the week: White-faced Ibis

The white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi) has graced our High Sierra valley for breeding season. Magnificent iridescence, dramatic eye makeup and impressive, arched bill. Our rural valley roads are flooded with snowmelt and we have a wetland paradise this spring. The ibis has many cultural meanings and is said to represent the Egyptian god Thoth, bridger of life and death. My favorite general symbolism for ibis is as courage to face the storms. True soul power.

White-faced ibis.

Meme of the month: How free are you?

Edward Abbey, environmentalist rebel hero, author of Hayduke Lives and The Monkey Wrench Gang, popped into my feed recently. I’m still smiling with this one:

Live music of the month: Goose, Live at the Salt Shed

For fans of. . . jam bands, the Greek Theatre, the Grateful Dead, Fleet Foxes, summer music festivals, and those who love a LOT of instruments doing a lot of things in creative and masterful ways, all at the same time. Check out Goose’s Live at the Salt Shed (2023) recorded over two April nights in Chicago. If you’re not into long, improvisational rock, or don’t want to lose yourself into a stream of musicality, pass this one by.

Extra bonus: I also dig the Taurean bovine album art.

That’s it for now, folks. How d’ya like the Inspiration Mashup? Your comments are welcome. Stay tuned for a Full Moon surprise this week (I’ll be appearing on Starsound Astrology’s podcast)!

With love and spring wildflowers,

Erin