Believing in My Family Instead of Trying to Control Them

When we want others to change, we’re at the whim of our environment. One moment we’re happy with their actions and another we’re upset with something they said. Buddhism teaches us that when we work on our inner transformation our environment, including people, reflect that.

Today’s guest, Emma Grover, of Oakland, shares how developing herself helped her believe in her family.

Cheat Sheet

01:39 Growing up in a Buddhist family

04:25 Becoming a people pleaser

10:39 Being a Buddhist high schooler

15:16 Fears that her family will never change

19:11 Showing up as yourself is enough

21:36 The connection between her and her sister’s struggles

29:08 Working on her relationship to herself

32:11 Letting go of the need to control

37:09 The oneness of life and its environment

44:10 Transforming relationships takes courage

51:29 Although life is difficult, happiness is always worth fighting for

References mentioned: 

  • Living Buddhism, January 2025, p. 12.
  • The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 279.
  • Living Buddhism, January 2021, p. 14.

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