Welcome back to Buddhist solutions for life's problems, where we talk about how to apply SGI

Buddhism to the problems of daily life. I'm Geejali. Today's is an exciting episode because we're talking

about something so universal, so inspiring, and so filled

with pain, the creative process. Whether you're an artist or creator of any kind, professional or just passionate,

this episode is for you. Because what we're discussing today is the creative life force,

an ability that lies deep within the life of every person and often remains there forever

if we don't summon the courage to bring it out. I'm sure the

artist who are listening are all too familiar with the problems that come from

creating anything, for example perfectionism, arrogance, and the desire to quit, and today we'll discuss

where these problems come from and how to overcome them.

But even before we do that, I invite each of you to imagine yourself as an artist for the rest of our time

together today. Because no matter what your profession is, every day you are creating life in small

and big ways, and that too requires a creative life force.

Let's begin with why we should pursue art in all its many forms.

I think it was my sophomore year and I remember feeling so terrified these people were going to watch me and I had performed before but for some reason this fear came up and I was noticing it and I remember saying to myself oh yeah this is

definitely something I want to continue to do throughout my life because nothing else gives me that much fear. This is Nile Ruff, a

27 year old professional dancer with a Dayton contemporary dance company in Ohio who grew up Buddhist like me. I asked her why she

chose to become a dancer and her answer was because nothing else gives her as

much fear. Funnily enough, I could deeply relate to her

because fear is the reason I became a writer and journalist.

And growing up Buddhist we both agreed

essentially means being told over and over again how much immense potential is in your life

...