Advice from Buddhist teens on social anxiety

Advice from Buddhist teens on social anxiety

Author: SGI-USA November 22, 2021 Duration: 25:31

Today we're tackling social anxiety, which feels like it has become ubiquitous since the pandemic began. Social interactions seem to take more energy after being physically distanced for so long. The world feels more polarized and therefore, a bit more intimidating. And then there's the real fear of social interaction. 


Given all of this, the approaching holiday season and the fact that many Americans are still adjusting to in-person school and work, we reached out to a few Buddhist teenagers to ask for their advice on how to deal with social anxiety.


CHEAT SHEET


0:55 What is social anxiety?

3:18 Meet Nico, Kimmy and Sudha

3:57 How they started practicing Buddhism

9:14 Their favorite Buddhist concepts

11:34 What it’s been like to go back to school 

19:30 Their best advice for social anxiety

References: 


ADAA: The COVID-19 Cycle: Social Anxiety and Withrdrawal in School-Aged Kids

ADAA: Social Anxiety During COVID-19

Buddhability: Why Buddhist Don’t Sweat Mistakes

Girls Night In: Questions to Ask a New Person


It’s easy to lose sight of our own strength when life gets complicated, but what if that inherent clarity and capability never actually left? Buddhability explores that very idea through the lived experiences of everyday people. Host Cassidy Bradford guides genuine conversations with a community of practicing Buddhists from SGI-USA, who share how they navigate real-world challenges. You’ll hear personal stories that touch on everything from mental resilience and physical well-being to navigating career shifts and personal relationships. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s a practical look at applying Buddhist principles to uncover a more confident and compassionate way of living. Each episode of the podcast feels like a thoughtful dialogue, focusing on how to reconnect with that inner resourcefulness-your Buddhability-amidst the stress and clutter of modern life. The discussions are grounded in the belief that enlightenment isn’t a distant goal, but a potential we can all access right now to improve our own lives and positively impact the world around us. Tune in for honest reflections and discover how this perspective can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
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