Imi's Muses
Psychotherapist and Art Therapist in London, United Kingdom
Here is a list that captures people whose work have inspired me, made me shiver with resonance, soothed my existential ache, and most importantly influenced my way of thinking and being in the world.
Because of my intensity, I live in successive periods of obsessions with books, people and things. But what’s listed here are relatively constant, and have continued to play a part in my life throughout the years.
I would love to hear what inspires you.
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Philosophers and essayists
Marcus Aurelius (Stoic philosopher; He is my number one hero. I vividly remember reading his work for the first time and was moved to tears, for the fact that such a great man ever existed.)
Lao Tzu (Taoist philosopher, mostly associated with the Tao Te Ching)
Epictetus (Stoic philosopher)
Bertrand Russell (Philosopher)
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Poets and contemporary poets
Rilke (Cannot live without)
John O Donohugue
David Whyte (Irish Poet)
Mary Oliver (American Poet)
Nikita Gill ("Poets of millenials"- An incredibly impressive young poet of our times)
Rumi
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Fictions
Everything by Banana Yoshimoto (Her most known work is Kitchen. Some days, I could do nothing but to lie down, and allow her work to comfort my soul.)
"Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
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People who are doing great work in our world today
Krista Tippet (On Being)
Jack Kornfield (American Buddhist)
Pema Chodron (Tibetan Buddhist)
Seth Godin
Shonda Rhimes (TV producer. Most known for Grey's Anatomy)
Clare Wineland (RIP 2018)
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Manga artists
Fujiko F. Fujio (Doraemon)
Ai Yazawa (Her work Paradise Kiss and Nana were a big part of my formative years)
Jiro Taniguchi (His drawing captures Japan and the Japanese spirit incredibly well.)
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Music
Leonard Cohen
Joni Mitchell
Simon and Garfunkel
Pet Shop Boys