Cherishing Each Other: A Conversation with Tara Brach and Father Gregory Boyle
Apr 25, 2024
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Tara Brach and Father Gregory Boyle discuss boundaries, compassion, unshakeable goodness, and belonging in a heartfelt conversation. They delve into the transformative power of love, tenderness, and cherishing in supporting marginalized communities. The podcast highlights the evolution of Homeboy Industries and the philosophy of creating a community where former enemies become allies through shared experiences. Embracing compassion, vulnerability, and presence are key themes, emphasizing the importance of connection, belonging, and unconditional love in healing.
Father Gregory Boyle's Dedication to Love and Community
Father Gregory Boyle, an American Catholic priest, founded Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention and rehab program. Through his books like 'Tattoos on the Heart,' 'Barking to the Choir,' and 'The Whole Language,' he shares the power of extravagant tenderness. Father Greg emphasizes living from love and creating a community of inclusion for marginalized individuals like ex-gang members and former inmates.
Father Greg's Journey Towards Becoming a Jesuit Priest
Father Gregory Boyle's inspiration to become a Jesuit priest stemmed from his admiration for the joy, fearlessness, and activism displayed by the Jesuits during his education. His involvement with social justice causes and a personal mystical experience fueled his decision to pursue a path of service and community engagement.
Evolution of Homeboy Industries Program
Homeboy Industries was born out of Father Greg's vision to provide support and employment opportunities for gang members who expressed a desire for a better life. From starting with a school for junior high gang members to expanding into various social enterprises like Homeboy Bakery, the program serves as a beacon of hope and change for individuals wanting to transition away from gang life.
The Essence of Cherishing and Healing
The core philosophy at Homeboy Industries revolves around cherishing individuals and fostering a culture of healing rather than focusing solely on behavior modification. Through tenderness and emotional support, the program aims to help individuals excavate their wounds, welcome their vulnerabilities, and find joy in cherishing themselves and others.
Navigating Sadness as a Path to Belonging
Within the context of Homeboy Industries, sadness is seen as an indicator of recognizing and responding to suffering, thereby fostering a deeper sense of connection and inclusion. By embracing vulnerability and acknowledging the unshakable goodness in everyone, Father Greg and the program advocate for a transformative approach that values belonging and cherishing as essential components of healing and growth.
Many are familiar with the Dali Lama’s words “My religion is kindness.” In this conversation you will sense the gritty and real way that we struggling humans can learn to cherish one another. We talk about the relationship between boundaries and compassion; the unshakeable goodness at our core; how we belong to each other, and how judgments arise from delusion and blind us to the blessing of that belonging.
Father Greg Boyle is an American Catholic priest of the Jesuit order. He is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program, author of several books, including Tattoos on the Heart; Barking to the Choir; and in 2023, The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness.
Father Greg’s life and work are a huge inspiration: he is dedicated to living from love and cultivating loving community with a marginalized population of ex inmates, gang members and their families. You can find out more about Father Greg and Homeboy Industries at: https://homeboyindustries.org/our-story/father-greg/
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