Overcoming pessimism through action

Overcoming pessimism through action

Author: SGI-USA June 15, 2022 Duration: 49:41

Today’s topic is pessimism, which can be defined as a lack of hope or confidence in the future. At different times in our lives, all of us might experience pessimism, especially if our future is uncertain or we find ourselves in a situation where the odds seem stacked against us. This can be compounded by societal conflicts and current affairs, and increasingly, teens and young adults feel a sense of worry, anxiety or futility about the future. Today, we'll unpack the Buddhist perspective on optimism. Our guest is Stuart Adams, a firefighter in California who shares the story of how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him transform pessimism into a life of confidence and action.


CHEAT SHEET


1:47 Why Stewart started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

6:17 How he discovered his dream to become a firefighter

9:56 What it took to challenge his fear 

16:52 What faith means in Buddhism

23:32 How chanting helped him take initiative

32:05 Addressing mistakes without hesitation

36:33 The role of Buddhist friends 

40:28 The Buddhist perspective on optimism

45:53 Advice for anyone who struggles with pessimism


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
Buddhism is a team sport [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:38
Today we’re about talking about how to find your path forward during a period of uncertainty. We’re joined by Shota Okajima, of New Jersey, who shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him overcome tremendous anxie…
Finding my own path in relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
Today we’re talking about identity and relationships. Briana Boche, of Seattle, shares her story of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and how she developed confidence in the practice of human revolution, that is, the process…
How I stopped letting my environment control me [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:53
Today we’re talking about the impact our environment has on us. In Buddhism, a crucial concept called “the oneness of life and environment” teaches that our environment is simply a reflection of our own life. Because the…
Finding the courage to change my life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:38
Today we’re speaking with Asia Harvey-Wright, who goes by Harvey, about their first steps practicing Buddhism after encountering the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in 2020, during one of the darkest periods of…
Finding my purpose as a journalist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:24
Today we’re talking with journalist Melissa Hirsch about how her Buddhist practice helped her navigate her career journey. This episode is especially relevant for anyone who may have a dream they are pursuing but is find…
Buddhism and the startup journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:08
Today we’re talking about the startup journey, though this episode is filled with lessons for anyone starting anything, be it a company, a project or just a fresh path in life. Creating something new, especially together…
How a young female pilot found the courage to fly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:59
Today we’re talking about how to persevere on a career path when the odds are stacked against you. Mardi Tan, of Long Beach, California, shares her incredible journey to pursue a career in aviation, an industry in which…
Moving on after experiencing loss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:47
Today we’re talking how to move on after experiencing loss. Our guest is Hannah Jones, of Ohio, who shares how she encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism while in high school, and how it helped her navigate the loss of her be…
How to let your walls down and show up as your true self [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
Today we’re talking about what it takes to tear down your walls if you have trouble showing up as your authentic self. Jermira Trapp, of Chicago, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has enabled her to transform painf…
Send us a voice memo! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34
Congratulations to everyone who completed the 31-day chanting challenge on Friday! We'd love to hear how it went, especially if you are new to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. To submit, just send a voice memo of no more th…