Sensual Self-Reflection: The Poet-Soul
What is sensual self-reflection? Sensual self-reflection is the union of elai (emotion) and éirim (intellect). It could be thought of as similar to ![[WikiPedia]](http://druidwiki.org/wiki/druid/img/moin-inter.png){kind=small}
Wordsworth's idea of poetry--that "poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." Sensual self-reflection takes that "emotion recollected in tranquility" one step further, combining Wordsworth's idea with Keats's thought that "Beauty is truth, truth beauty." It is the aesthetic, symbolic thought processes that can benefit us most.
Myths facilitate this dance of elai and eirim, by using images that culturally and sometimes universally make sense to the psyche and soul. It is through stories--plot, motifs, and characters--that the mind meets the senses. My question is, why has the mind been viewed as separate--and even opposed--to the emotions in traditional thought? Isn't it the synthesis of both that gives us a place in the surrounding world?
If we were all intellect, reason, and thought, then we would live a cold, sterile existence of mechanical meaninglessness. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if we were solely emotion, feeling, and senses, then we would live in a swirling chaotic mess of beauty where the jumbledness would make life just as meaningless as the pure intellect. For us to be human, there is a sort of tragic quality to us--but beautiful nonetheless. We are mortal--we will fade and die, but we can create art and literature and scientific theories that will last for centuries after our body has dissapated into the soil. Humanity is the blend of thought coupled with imagination. True epiphinies originate from the imagination (indescrible glimpse beyond normal senses) that is then mulled over and put into symbols--whether that be in art or science.
In the end, it should be the goal of La Belle Dame sans Merci (artistic ability) to connect epiphinies together in a cohesive, universal, yet pleasing tapestry of human experience. Being able to do this is a curse and blessing--a two-fold curse, firstly because of the misunderstandings of others, and secondly because--once you have experienced the wonder, the magick, the mystery, and the awfulness (awe-full) of the aesthetic (sensual self-reflection) life, there is no going back (like Tolkien's Samwise who sees the Elves--and changes); on the other hand, it can be a blessing for once someone else understands your epiphinies, it can edify. Truly much madness is divinest sense.
Everyone has epiphinies--but it is the poets (not necessarily the literal writer who uses rhyme and meter)--here "poet" meaning anyone who experiences Wordsworth's definition of poetry) who can take that indefinable, intangible intelligence that emerges from imagination--and put it into expression. A characteristic of the poet is that he or she actively participates in sensual self-reflection.
Wordsworth gives the following characteristics of the poet-soul:
Comprehends self
Comprehends humanity
Experiences extra sensitivity and emotion
Loves and worships life with its moments
Habitually creates
Able to make absent or abstract things manifest through the imagination
Expresses own thoughts and feelings
In the end, the poet-soul is a translator, seeking to express what others cannot. If sensual self-relfection eludes you--in other words, if you cannot use your imagination to express your intellect, nor your intellect to expound on your imagination, then you do not have the poet-soul. Whether you do or not does not matter--the best way to sensually self-reflect is to keep a dream journal. Take note of the details in your dreams, and try to figure out if your dreams are telling you something. Being able to interpret your own inner mythology (sensual self-reflection) is the first step to being a poet. Of course, there is a lot to do with natural ability, but it all boils down to actually taking the time and making a conscious effort to experience your own inner world.
Go take a journey--and blessings on your feet, wherever they lead you! -- EadhaDeora