10% Happier with Dan Harris

The Upside of Desire | Cara Lai

Jul 15, 2020
Cara Lai, a mindfulness teacher, psychotherapist, and artist, shares her refreshing perspective on desire's role in our lives. She challenges the traditional Buddhist view that often shuns desire, instead advocating for it as a pathway to happiness. The conversation touches on how embracing desires can lead to self-acceptance and personal liberation. They explore the relationship between sexual energy and spiritual growth, and the importance of vulnerability during meditation. Lai encourages a compassionate relationship with one's cravings, integrating mindfulness into our desires for a more fulfilling life.
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ANECDOTE

First Dharma Talk

  • Cara Lai's first dharma talk at IMS was memorable for her vulnerability and humor.
  • She openly shared her nervousness, which resonated with Dan Harris and the audience.
ANECDOTE

Pushing Limits

  • Cara Lai's tendency to push herself to extremes, like running barefoot and biking long distances, stemmed from a desire to feel less vulnerable.
  • She credits her badass mother, an infectious disease doctor who overcame poverty, as an inspiration.
ANECDOTE

Meditation Journey

  • Cara Lai began meditating after a profound experience followed by a crash, prompting her to seek a retreat.
  • This led her to IMS and a three-month retreat, sparking her deep love for long retreats.
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