Buddhability

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, of Dallas, who struggled with exactly that from a young age. When he started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, he quickly discovered he was seeking approval from other people, which, in Buddhism means you are seeking happiness outside yourself.

Today we’ll cover how to flip that script and turn inward to find yourself instead.

Show Notes

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, of Dallas, who struggled with exactly that from a young age. When he started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, he quickly discovered he was seeking approval from other people, which, in Buddhism, means you are seeking happiness outside yourself. 

Today we’ll cover how to flip that script and turn inward to find yourself instead.

CHEAT SHEET

1:21 Introduction to Brandon
1:51 Why he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a teenager 
4:21 How it helped him stop seeking approval from other people
7:42 What it took for him to make good friends
8:38 How he applied Buddhist philosophy to his situation
12:22 How he became comfortable with himself
18:36 What he decided to challenge next
27:34 Brandon’s vision for his 30s, 40s and 50s
32:55 What uncovering your Buddhability really means
37:48 Advice for anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of seeking approval from others

What is Buddhability?

The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it everyday, and changing the world along the way. Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.