Never giving up on your dream

Never giving up on your dream

Author: SGI-USA May 28, 2021 Duration: 49:55

Today we're talking about how not to give up on your dream.


Even if we discover our dream job or purpose at a young age, on the path to pursuing it, we often have to grapple with our own self-doubt, tough decisions, and at times, challenging and unexpected obstacles.


Today we’re talking to Michael Cornell, a 5th-grade teacher in New York City. After struggling with anxiety and depression during graduate school, and then facing the realities of education in NYC, his journey in education became more and more challenging. But when he discovered Buddhism along the way, chanting helped him expand his own vision for education and develop the spirit to do his best at every task in front of him. 


Key takeaway: Our environment doesn’t need to dictate whether we feel we are on the right path or not. Rather, by tapping into our Buddhability through chanting, we can create the conditions to advance toward our dreams, no matter what’s happening around us.


CHEAT SHEET

  • 1:24 How Michael discovered his passion for education
  • 4:21 Why he was drawn to Buddhism
  • 10:58  What his vision for education was
  • 14:23 How chanting impacted his daily life
  • 32:41 What a value-creation based vision for education looks like
  • 39:01 How to create the conditions for trust and success
  • 46:20 The award Michael is currently up for

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 244

Buddhability
Podcast Episodes
Honoring My Parents by Fighting for My Dreams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:43
Amid a painful reality that can’t be changed, like a family member’s terminal disease, how can we still create hope? Today we’re discussing how tapping into our Buddhability—the limitless wisdom, courage, and compassion…
Season Finale: New Beginnings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:31
Today, we have for you the season finale of Buddhability Season 1, and we’re so excited to share some big updates about the show. We’ve just passed the three-year anniversary of launching Buddhability, and with it, a hug…
Announcement: Season Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:50
Today, October 2nd, marks the three year anniversary since our launch! We are also celebrating a milestone- hitting 1 million downloads! To commemorate this, we're going to be closing out with an exciting season finale n…
How do I deal with the stress of living with chronic pain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:29
Here's today's question: How can Buddhism help me with this stress caused by chronic physical pain? How can I be happy living with chronic illness? Buddhism teaches that falling to illness is not a form of failure or def…
Do I have to believe in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for it to work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:16
Here’s today’s question: Do I have to believe in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for it to work?This is a question nearly every person who starts to chant has in the back of their mind. Unless spirituality or a chanting-lik…
A Buddhist Take on Setting Boundaries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:25
Here's today's question: How can I set healthy boundaries that honor myself and others? One listener asked: “How can Buddhism help me and my family with setting boundaries? Setting boundaries at work seems easier than wi…
What does Buddhism say about dealing with grief? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:53
Here’s today’s question: What does Buddhism say about dealing with grief? Grief is something we all experience at some point in life. One listener asked, “I've recently had a few folks die and I am trying to give myself…
Can I be angry when I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:39
Here’s today's question, ”Can I be angry when I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?” It’s actually a combination of a few questions we received. One person asked, “Some days I feel powerful and determined. Some days I feel sad an…
Going through a stressful transition at work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:03
Here’s today’s question, “I’m starting a new job soon and I’m wondering if you could talk a little bit about stressful transitions in life?” We actually got quite a lot of questions about work stress or challenging profe…
Dealing with a stressful relationship? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:25
Here’s today’s question: I’m dealing with a really stressful relationship with someone close to me. Do you have any advice on what to do when someone just keeps getting under your skin?Well first of all, who can’t relate…