From SGI USA, I'm Cassidy Bradford and this is Budability, the weekly series where I talk with Buddhists from all walks of life about the power we each have to change our lives and the world around us.

Buddhism isn't about changing who we are. It's about appreciating who we are and bringing out the

best aspects of every characteristic we have. Maybe you're a little quiet, but you're a great

listener. Sure, a friend might have some musical talent, but you have a special way

with writing. Whatever the case may be, we each have something unique and precious about us,

just as we are. Sometimes we may not immediately appreciate everything about ourselves,

but Buddhist practice can help us see ourselves in a new light.

This week we asked you what you've come to appreciate about yourself with time.

One person said they used to feel bad about being talkative, but now they own it.

Many of you have learned to see and appreciate your resilience.

And life is always throwing things our way, so resilience

is invaluable. I was really encouraged to see just how many of you now appreciate all parts of

yourself, even the things that may not be so pretty or lovable. In Buddhism, there's a powerful

analogy using flowers to help us understand how

and why to value the things that make us who we are. Buddhist philosopher Daisakua Keda once

discussed it with some fellow Buddhists. He had taken the train to visit them. In his words,

he shared. From the train window, I could see blue streams and green forests amid the

lingering mountain snow. Golden forcythia, bridal veil, daffodils, and cherry blossoms were in beautiful bloom.

Observing the scenery, I was reminded of how Nietzsche and Shonin states that the cherry, plum, peach, and

damson, each embody the ultimate truth just as they are, without undergoing any change.

This teaching provides us with a basic model for the way we should live our lives.

The cherry tree blossoms as a cherry tree, living to fulfill its own unique

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