Buddhability

This week, we speak with psychotherapist Sean Grover about how therapy works, what its limits are, and what it takes to actually change yourself for the better. He also shares insights from his own Buddhist practice and what chanting can offer in the journey of self-transformation.

Key takeaway: Human beings heal through relationships, so how you show up in relationships matters … a lot. If you want to be really, truly happy, you have to learn to care for yourself well, to be yourself around other people, and also learn to care for other people well. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and having a supportive community can help you do all of the above.

Cheatsheet:

1:14 Episode Intro
2:12 Introduction to Sean
2:36 Why he started practicing Buddhism
6:16 What brings people to therapy
8:14 The difference between temporary and sustainable happiness
11:05 The growth of self-awareness practices
16:15 The limits of therapy and mindfulness
18:23 How Buddhism can tackle the ego
20:27 Why changing yourself is so hard
22:19 What the Bodhisattva vow is, in plain English
25:42 Why mastering human relationships is the key to most problems
26:25 Creating a culture of caring for others
29:43 How not to get drained by giving to others
33:14 How therapy and Buddhism can work together
37:08 Next week’s show

Show Notes

This week, we speak with psychotherapist Sean Grover about how therapy works, what its limits are, and what it takes to actually change yourself for the better. He also shares insights from his own Buddhist practice and what chanting can offer in the journey of self-transformation. 
 
Key takeaway: Human beings heal through relationships, so how you show up in relationships matters … a lot. If you want to be really, truly happy, you have to learn to care for yourself well, to be yourself around other people, and also learn to care for other people well. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and having a supportive community can help you do all of the above.
 
Cheatsheet:
 
1:14 Episode Intro
2:12 Introduction to Sean
2:36 Why he started practicing Buddhism
6:16 What brings people to therapy
8:14 The difference between temporary and sustainable happiness
11:05 The growth of self-awareness practices
16:15 The limits of therapy and mindfulness
18:23 How Buddhism can tackle the ego
20:27 Why changing yourself is so hard
22:19 What the Bodhisattva vow is, in plain English
25:42 Why mastering human relationships is the key to most problems
26:25 Creating a culture of caring for others
29:43 How not to get drained by giving to others
33:14 How therapy and Buddhism can work together
37:08 Next week’s show
 

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 every day, 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.