From SGIUSA, 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.

My anxiety was at its peak when I studied abroad.

After arriving in a new country for the first time, I headed straight to my host mom's

apartment.

We sat down for a meal, and as her words flew past my ears, my heart rate increased.

I felt a drop in my stomach.

My mind started to race. The thoughts came and went so

fast that I couldn't even follow them. My dear friend, insecurity, had burst right through the

door. What followed for the next six months was a roller coaster, crying in a public park,

getting pickpocketed, and days where I couldn't

leave the house. But it was also a time when I deepened my Buddhist practice, which led to moments

where I faced my anxiety head on and came out on the other side. This week, we asked you to share

your top piece of advice for tackling worries.

Many of your tips were about taking a moment to calm down and reflect.

Some of you have deep breathing exercises while others like to go on a walk or listen to music.

One of you likes to talk it through with a friend or family member, which I relate to,

and of course, almost everyone responded that they chant Namyo Hōdengeyil.

They chant to raise the state of their life, so their worries don't feel quite as big anymore.

For myself, chanting can ground me and help me see all my worries with a more realistic perspective.

Today, I had the great fortune of speaking with Ariana Hadamio of Santa Cruz.

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