Buddhability

This week, we speak with Abe Uccello about working for change in Florida’s prison system, even when he couldn’t see any forward movement. He explains how chanting can help you build trust and respect with anyone, and what unity actually means. Hint: You have to unlock your own wisdom and compassion first.

Cheatsheet:

1:14 What we’re trying to understand today
3:26 Introduction to Abe
5:26 How chanting helped him feel like he had control over his life again
10:18 His experiences working with the prison system
15:44 How chanting helped him figure out what to do
19:44 What a tenacious effort to build trust helped him achieve
24:34 Why he didn’t give up
27:56 How to maintain hope even when you see the darkest parts of humanity
31:57 What the end goal in Buddhism is
35:10 Advice to anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by uncertainty
37:26 What “happiness for self and others” means
45:03 What else to read on Buddhability about feeling stuck and making change

Show Notes

This week, we speak with Abe Uccello about working for change in Florida’s prison system, even when he couldn’t see any forward movement. He explains how chanting can help you build trust and respect with anyone, and what unity actually means. Hint: You have to unlock your own wisdom and compassion first.
 
Cheatsheet:
 
1:50 What we’re trying to understand today 
4:02 Introduction to Abe
5:02 How chanting helped him feel like he had control over his life again
10:54 His experiences working with the prison system
16:20 How chanting helped him figure out what to do
17:20 What a tenacious effort to build trust helped him achieve
25:10 Why he didn’t give up
28:32 How to maintain hope even when you see the darkest parts of humanity
32:33 What the end goal in Buddhism is
35:46 Advice to anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by uncertainty
38:02 What “happiness for self and others” means
45:39 What else to read on Buddhability about feeling stuck and making change
 

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.