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.

This weekend, I made some brunch for friends.

I consider myself someone who cooks for practicality.

But through my friend's feedback, I learned that I can actually cook things that taste good and are not just practical.

And this is a super simple example, but we're always learning new things about ourselves.

Whether it's moving on from some narrative that we've always held, or learning something deeper about who we are and where we

come from. When we asked you all what you've learned about yourself or a friend, many of you

shared that you've learned that you're more capable than you give yourself credit for.

One of you learned about yourself through a recent diagnosis, which now has led to an even

happier life.

One thing in particular that struck me about all your answers is that so many of you have

learned things with the help of others.

As we say many times on the podcast,

we don't exist in isolation. It's through our interactions with others that we can come to

learn about ourselves. Buddhist philosopher Daisakwa Akata held countless dialogues with world

leaders and ordinary people. He says, dialogue serves as a mirror, enabling us to see others as well as

ourselves. It enables us to break through the shell of our ego and expand our state of life.

Through chanting Namyo Hōding-Ga-Kyo, we can start to see our lives clearly, and, like today's

guest, discover new things.

Today, I'm speaking with Coda Jordette of Fargo, North Dakota.

Coda and I talk about his journey navigating recovery from addiction and taking care of his mental health.

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