Ep 4 - Staying Motivated & Persistent

In episode four, entitled "Staying Motivated & Persistent," Saurin experiences existential dread, questioning the purpose of his actions and his life. He endeavors to stay resilient and committed to his craft while seeking ways to cultivate a positive and grateful attitude towards his creative work. He finds a solution in Chapter 9, Verse 27, which keeps him motivated and enables him to persist even in the face of adversity and doubts.

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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

Transcript

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00:00:00 Sundar

The Voice Bank presents Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul, conceived and written by Saurin Desai, narrated by Sheetal Sawhney and Saurin Desai. This interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita is not scholarly or literal, but personal and creative, with no intent to hurt the sentiments of any individual, community, or religion.

00:00:26 Sheetal

It is said that the Bhagavad Gita has answers for all and all the answers. Join writer and seeker Saurin Desai as each week he grapples with thoughts and challenges related to life, work, and creativity. Then explore the timeless wisdom of the Gita to discover how to harness creativity with grace, understanding, empathy, and timeless.

00:00:59 Sheetal

Welcome to Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul. This is episode 4, staying motivated and persistent, where Saurin is trying to stay resilient and committed to his craft.

00:01:17 Saurin

I often feel an existential dread. Questioning the very purpose of my actions, in fact of my life. And then everything seems pointless, including this series. Why bother when others have already said everything there is to? And do I even have anything worthwhile to add?

00:01:36 Saurin

Each time this happens, it's easy to give up. Then a new shiny object comes along. Rinse it forever and ever. 

00:01:46 Saurin

So how do I overcome obstacles and doubts in my creative work and persist? How do I cultivate a positive and grateful attitude towards my creative work? 

The following verses for me a way out of the muddled waters.

00:02:09 Sheetal

Yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat। 
Yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kuruṣva madarpaṇam ||9.27||

00:02:24 Sheetal

Chapter 9, Verse 27

00:02:28 Sheetal

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer, whatever you give.
Whatever austerities you practice, do that, O son of Kunti, as an offering to Me.

00:02:48 Saurin

The Shlok suggests that by dedicating my creative work to a higher purpose or source, I can stay inspired and committed.

00:02:58 Saurin

So how do I find my calling and align my creative work with it?

I start by listing down the purposes that I most resonate with.

00:03:07 Saurin

Expressing creatively. Finding inner peace and happiness. Creating a positive impact on the world. Pursuing personal growth. Exploring spirituality & philosophy

And then I evaluate anything that I'm working on or plan to do using the above criteria. If it does not meet at least three of them, I either rethink the project or say no.

00:03:34 Saurin

This exercise helps me align my creativity with my purpose, giving me clarity and fulfilment, which keeps me motivated and allows me to remain persistent. 

So, have I banished the dread?

00:03:48 Saurin

I wish it were that easy. However, each step reveals new uncertainties, but also possibilities.

00:03:57 Saurin

Thank you for your time and attention. The greatest gift you can give me. I'm Saurin Desai. And each week I delve into the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Together, let's create a community of Creative Souls on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

00:04:15 Saurin

If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, reach me at gitacreativesoul@gmail.com and from this moment forward, I'm on a quest to maintain resilience and stay committed to my craft, even in the face of adversity and doubts.

00:04:39 Sundar

You were listening to Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul.

Produced by The Voice Bank. Conceptualized & written by Saurin Desai. Voiced by Sheetal Sawhney & Saurin Desai. Directed by Sundar Sethuraman. Executive producer: Rashmi Sundaram. Special advisor: Kushagra Singh. Music by Sushant Sonawale & Dhirendra. Recorded by Tejas Jadhav and Agnel George. Sound Designing & mixing by Sushant Sonawale. Recorded at Crescendo Studios, Mumbai. Text copyright Saurin Desai. Sound recording copyright: The Voice Bank.