Caring for someone who struggles to care for themself

Today we are addressing a topic that’s universally challenging in close human relationships: How do you care for someone who struggles to care for themself? What if your belief in them is greater than their belief in themself?

To address these questions, we are speaking with Katie Thornber, of Los Angeles, who bravely shares a very personal journey she went through with her late father, and how she used her Buddhist practice to support him through the toughest time of his life.

This story is an incredible example of the Buddhist principle of the oneness of life and its environment.

CHEAT SHEET

1:09 Introduction to Katie and how she started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism

4:13 A little bit about her family and their experience with the financial crisis

6:05 How she decided to approach the situation 

10:30 What her dad was going through

11:45 Why she turned to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo at this time

14:58 How she saw herself and her environment begin to change

19:25 Her dad’s health challenges and what it took to get him to a doctor

24:41 How he opened up to her

27:03 Why change always begins within

27:54 What Katie came to believe in

30:56 What freedom means in Buddhism

41:53 What the experience was like for Katie’s mom

45:50 How this experience impacted other aspects of her life

49:31 Advice to anyone who is struggling to support someone they care for

51:02 Words from Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda that Katie holds on to 

References:

• Video: The oneness of life and environment explained
• Quote: Discussions on Youth, p. 27