Tara Brach

2011-12-07 - The Backward Step - Our habit is to think we are on our way someplace else, and that our happiness is to be found outside ourselves. Yet realization becomes possible when we take the backward step into the formless dimension of our own being. This talk explores the two pathways that awaken us from our stories of self and reveal the love and awareness that is our true nature. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

2009-08-26 - Our capacity to accept this life is key to our freedom, yet there are many misconceptions about acceptance: People wonder, if acceptance makes us a doormat in relationships? Isn't acceptance akin to resignation? Doesn't it make us passive when what is needed is action? This talk explores some of the misunderstandings about acceptance and offers teachings on the nature of genuine and liberating acceptance. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

2011-11-23 - Pathways to a Grateful Heart - When we are filled with gratitude, we are living from the most sincere, awake part of our being. This talk explores three pathways of practice that open us to serving and savoring this life. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

2011-11-16 - Mindful Speech - Deception, gossip and aggressive speech are pervasive in our culture. This talk looks at the roots of these forms of communication, and the way they entrap us in a contracted and separate sense of self. We then explore the practices that help us speak from a courageous presence, wisdom and love. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

2011-11-09 - The Space of Presence - The perception of "there's not enough time or space" in life blocks our natural capacity for intimacy, creativity and wisdom. Pausing and connecting with the space of presence transforms our entire experience of being alive. This talk explores the pathways that reveal the space that is always here, the awake and loving space of our own awareness. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Explore the transformative power of equanimity, a mental state balancing wisdom and compassion. Delve into the evolutionary roots of our reactivity and learn practices that cultivate presence and dissolve the ego's grip. Discover how connecting with a larger belonging fosters resilience, even in adversity. Listen to poignant stories, including veterans and cancer patients, that illustrate the journey towards mindful engagement with life. Embrace the idea that equanimity is not passivity but a pathway to joy and deeper connection.

Discover the innate capacity for joy and how it can be blocked by our attachments. Explore the complex relationship between joy and the psychological barriers that prevent us from embracing the present. Learn how forgiveness can unlock pathways to deeper happiness. Delve into selflessness and community engagement, and see how gratitude connects us. Finally, practice accepting the present moment to cultivate unconditional joy while deepening connections with those around you.

Dive into the essence of compassion as a vital force for healing. A touching story about a stray dog demonstrates our interconnectedness. Reflect on shared vulnerabilities and the importance of empathy in our actions. Learn about embracing individuality in the face of societal expectations, particularly in parenting. Experience transformative narratives from Palestinian and Israeli teenagers, showcasing the healing power of understanding. Finally, explore how compassionate actions can inspire personal and collective change.

2011-10-08 - Unconditional Love for the Life Within - (Retreat Talk) The tyranny of "should" prevents us from living and loving fully. This talk explores how we get trapped in the identity of a flawed self and the ways a wise attention can free us. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Love is our true essence, often hidden by fears and separateness. Mindfulness can help awaken embodied love, enhancing empathy. We often dwell on negativity, which hampers intimacy, but self-awareness can ignite genuine connections. A poignant story reveals how compassion shines in crisis, showcasing human kindness's transformative power. The importance of nurturing lovingkindness through meditation is emphasized, reminding us that personal love must first flourish within before it can radiate outward.