Essential Muse is an offering in devotion to the masterpiece of our messy truths, created and curated by myself, Michelle Bennington.
Years ago this vision was sparked within me after a mentor suggested that finding inspiration in everything was a gift rather than something we’re all born with, that maybe this was instead birthed from my own self-creation and lived experiences, and that it was a trait that might lift others. This was a decade ago now – as the waves of life, motherhood, and often suffocating self-doubt took me for quite the journey over the years. I think there’s something important in recognizing how I keep returning here, how long I’ve been holding on to this energy and how it still feels like where my heart truly wants to exist whether or not anyone else ever sees it. Whether or not anyone ever truly sees me.
I’ve come to realize since that my ability and desire to seek magic in the seemingly mundane is my way of balancing the chaos that also inherently exists. We live on an incredible planet full of miraculous wonder wherever we’re willing to seek it, and also… the systems we’ve created are not aligned with being able to focus on it. While we navigate the complexities of being human in this age of technological advancement and environmental degradation, I believe we need to be able to recognize the beauty that remains when life allows. If we take the time to consider ways we might enhance and refresh the wellbeing of ourselves and the world around us maybe things can change. It is my hope that finding the space to honor seemingly contradicting truths and sharing them with care here will result in more moments to believe that we are still so lucky to be here.
On this page: Nature, art, words, music, and movement all feel like windows. Windows I intend to let the light shine through, or to witness the storm with wonder – if that is what is brewing.
In my work: I offer imagery to enhance your view, focus on the beauty in front of you, or better visualize where you are going. It is my dream for the poetic portals that come through to feel like soothing medicine to myself, The Muse, and to you.
I’m here and I’m listening. I am always open to creative collaborations and channeling the aesthetics you’re feeling called to. I truly appreciate you stopping by and I hope that today, wherever you are, inspiration finds you.
<3 Michelle
