Overcoming the need to control things

Overcoming the need to control things

Author: SGI-USA January 5, 2022 Duration: 54:19

Today we’re exploring what the power of a daily practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can really do for you, specifically if you struggle with feelings of helplessness, anxiety or a need to control things. 


Will Moody, of New Orleans, shares his story of what Buddhism calls “human revolution,” or inner transformation, the process of tapping into your Buddhability on a daily basis to change your life and environment. After struggling with anxiety and a tendency to micromanage everyone in his environment, including himself, Will learned to replace his fear with belief in himself. Step by step, he saw his environment change profoundly.


CHEAT SHEET

1:31 Introduction to Will

1:56 How he was introduced to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and why he started

3:56 The early experiences that contributed to his anxiety

9:28 What changed when he started chanting

13:32 How he feels now

16:25 What his anxiety and need for control used to look like

22:57 How Buddhist study helped him transform his tendency

32:52 What change looked like for him

38:56 On setting intentions for relationships

45:02 What an average day looks like when you chant

50:46 Advice for anyone who is struggling with anxiety or feeling out of control


References Will mentioned:

  • “Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1000
  • Learning From the Writings: The Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 141
  • A Foundation for Your Life, p. 65


To hear about this month's chanting journey, sign up for our newsletter here


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
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…
My first steps chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:43
On this episode, we’re speaking with Nikolas Spayne, of Chicago, who started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo just last year, when he remembered having heard about Buddhism and decided to look it up. Like many of us, the str…
Buddhism, relativity and science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:03
Today we’re speaking with two friends and scientists, Tee Ponsukcharoen and Siraput Jongaramrungruang, about their intertwined journeys from studying science to practicing Buddhism together. Originally from Thailand, the…
Defeating the doubt within [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:51
Today we’re talking about the battle with our own inner negativity, whatever form it may take: self-doubt, self-hatred, regret, worry or anything else.Jimmy Anicet, of Boston, shares about the significant personal journe…
How to open a new path if you’re feeling stuck where you are [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:09
Today we are talking about how to open a new path if you’re feeling stuck where you are, whether at work or in any other situation.Our guest is Fernanda Kelly, actress, entrepreneur and TV and radio host. While her caree…
What it means to value your life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:55
Today we’re talking about the amazing difference that a month of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can make in your life, told through the story of Alex McClintock, of Hawaii. Alex is currently a diver in the Coast Guard, one…
How to make chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a habit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:18
As we kick off our 31-day chanting Journey on January 18, today we are discussing how and why to make chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a daily habit. Celize Christy, of Iowa, shares her own process of recommitting to her dai…
A short thank you from Buddhability! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15
A short message to thank all of our amazing listeners and guests for a fantastic year! We’re taking a break for the holidays and will be back with a new episode on Monday, January 3. In the meantime, to sign-up for our w…
On Self-Love and Relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:38
Today we’re talking about self-love and relationships, and, specifically, how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can empower you to become the protagonist in all your relationships, whether they are romantic or family-oriented…
How to stop seeking approval from others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
Consider any situation you’ve found yourself in where you felt like you couldn’t truly be yourself. Have you ever changed your behavior to fit in or impress others?On this episode, we’re talking with Brandon Poythress, o…