From SGI USA, I'm Cassidy Bradford and this is bootability.

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.

Sometimes we're excited for the next phase of our lives.

It's one we've been planning on.

Graduation, getting married, starting a new job.

Other times, it's a bit more unexpected.

A cross-country move. A breakup, or maybe even just changing your major. And in some cases, maybe you're dreading the new phase. Whether it's

planned or not, as the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus said, the only constant in life is change. You might be in a spot

where you're craving change. You've been in the same city, same friends, same career. You're

wanting to start a new chapter, but not totally sure how to take the first step. Today's episode is all about how to start and navigate

a new chapter of your life. As you know, I recently got married, so I've entered a new phase

of life and I've been thinking a lot about where I'm heading to next. It's exciting. It's a little

scary, the newness and the unknown. So where do we start?

And how does our Buddhist practice come into play?

Well, before you leap into this great unknown, mental health experts recommend first taking stock of your life, reflecting on and appreciating how far you've come.

Before you start a new chapter, you need to close the last one.

Sometimes you might have a going away party or a graduation ceremony, but there aren't

always ready-made events to close a chapter.

In any case, we can use our Buddhist practice to help us reflect

and gain perspective in these crucial moments. As we chant Namyo Hōrengekio, we tap into our

inner enlightenment, or what we call budability, which is characterized by limitless wisdom,

courage, and compassion. That bootability helps us to see ourselves

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