Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul

Ep 1 - Navigating Impostor Syndrome & Authenticity

• The Voice Bank • Season 1 • Episode 1

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In the first episode, titled "navigating impostor syndrome & authenticity," Saurin delves into the struggle of staying true to oneself and embracing authenticity while grappling with the fear of failure and the feelings of being an impostor. He reflects on his own journey of comparison, self-doubt, and the pursuit of external validation. And, amidst the turmoil, Saurin finds solace in Chapter 3, Verse 35 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Books referred in the episode
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron
"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
"The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield 

We welcome you to join us in building a community of creative souls on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Reach out to us at gitacreativesoul@gmail.com or find us on:

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Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul

  • Produced by The Voice Bank
  • Concept & Writing: Saurin Desai
  • Executive Producer: Rashmi Sundaram
  • Director: Sundar Sethuraman
  • Voice Artists: Sheetal Sawhney & Saurin Desai
  • Special Advisor: Kushagra Singh (Writer, Spiritual Speaker & Yoga Teacher)
  • Sound Designer: Sushant Sonawale
  • Music Composition: Sushant Sonawale & Ameen
  • Recordist: Agnel & Sushant Sonawale
  • Recorded at Crescendo Studio, Mumbai

Sheetal 00:00:25 

It is said that the Bhagavad Gita has answers for all and all the answers. Writer and seeker, Saurin Desai, has a burning desire to craft stories that not just entertain but also uplift and inspire. Join him, as each week he grapples with thoughts and challenges around work, life, creativity, responsibility, desires, success, etc. Then delve with him into the timeless wisdom of the Gita to discover how to wield creativeness with grace, understanding, empathy, and timelessness. 

Sheetal 00:01:12 

Welcome to Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul. This is episode one, ‘navigating imposter syndrome and authenticity,’ and Saurin is considering if he should stay true to who he is even in the face of failure?

Saurin 00:01:34

I would constantly compare myself to others. Not just writers and other creatives, but even those on a more materialistic path. The latter made me feel inferior, while the former triggered impostor syndrome. 

Saurin 00:01:49

I felt unqualified, incapable, a fraud about to be exposed. So, I spent countless hours scouring books, websites, articles, blogs, courses, and podcasts. Desperately hoping to find a formula I could copy, something that would show my ability to the world. But only until my sources remained hidden. 

Saurin 00:02:10

I knew deep down that I was fooling myself. I was supposed to be authentic, to be true to myself. In fact, I’ve preached this axiom to countless people over the years. But the words felt empty. If I had no value, then being myself was worthless. 

Saurin 00:02:27

It was then that this shloka from the Bhagavad Gita provided the antidote I was seeking but didn’t know existed.

Sheetal: 00:02:41 
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् । 

Sheetal: 00:02:49

स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः 

Sheetal: 00:02:57

Chapter 3, Verse 35

It is better to perform one's own duty, though imperfectly, than to perform another's duty perfectly. In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one's duty, than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger.

Saurin: 00:03:25 

It was not just all right to take the risks in following what was true to me, it was the only way. I had to stop trying to be someone or something I am not. For playing it safe and following someone else’s way would mean a failed life, even if I were to succeed outwardly, for it was not my game to play in the first place.

Saurin: 00:03:46

I also heeded Robert Frost, for he said in ‘The Road Not Taken’: 

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
 I took the one less travelled by,
 And that has made all the difference.”

Saurin: 00:03:46

I’ve started to go within myself to figure out my creativity, vision, and voice. Here are some items on my to-do list:

Saurin: 00:04:07

Self-reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on who I am, what I want to do as a creative, and just as importantly, what I do not want to do.

Saurin: 00:04:20

Journalling: Plan to engage in pen-on-paper self-reflection. Fortunately, a friend is planning a journalling program, so I see ink at the end of the notebook. Sorry could not resist.

Saurin: 00:04:32

Reading: Have not been reading as much as I should, both fiction and non-fiction. But these are the books on creativity and the creative process that I have moved up my to-read/reread list: "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, and "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield.

Saurin: 00:04:50

Community: Seek out and join a community of like-minded individuals for inspiration and motivation.

Saurin: 00:04:59

Mentoring: Find a mentor with experience working with and understanding creatives.

Saurin: 00:05:03

Fail-Try: Embrace a willingness to try, fail, and try again.

Saurin 00:05:08

Intuition: Trust the inner voice because it knows what is right for me.

Saurin 00:05:12

And last but not the least... Gratitude

Saurin 00:05:17

Have I figured it all out? Barely. Is it my north star yet? Rarely. 
 But I am getting there, one thought at a time, one idea at a time, one word at a time.

Saurin 00:05:30

Thank you for your time and attention. The greatest gift you can give me. I am Saurin Desai, and each week I explore the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. 

Saurin 00:05:41

Together, let's create a community of Creative Souls on this journey of self-discovery and growth. If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback.

00:05:50 Saurin

Reach me at Gita Creative Soul at gmail.com.

00:05:55 Saurin

And from this moment onward, I'm on a quest to stay true to who I am, even in the face of failure.