Dance is one of the most natural expressions of emotion that we have as humans, and to try to grade it in terms of “good” or “bad” is to undermine the whole point. Modern dancer and choreographer Martha Graham was one of the most talented and famous dancers of the 20th century, and even she acknowledged that it doesn't matter if you can dance well — it only matters that you let go of your inhibition and experience the joy of moving to the music. It’s a lesson that can be applied to all areas of life: Fear of imperfection should never cause us to miss out on life’s wonders.

Born Siddhartha Gautama, the philosopher and spiritual leader who founded Buddhism lived sometime between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, along the border of modern Nepal and India. In Sanskrit, “Buddha” means “awakened one,” and he devoted himself to teaching others how they could achieve a heightened sense of consciousness. This uplifting quote comes from one of the Buddha’s primary texts, “The Sutra of 42 Sections.” According to translator Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, the Buddha began by explaining, “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.” Those who bring light into people’s lives will experience true joy. Similarly, those who benefit from good deeds will encourage further acts of kindness.