Tara Brach

This podcast explores the practice of radical self-honesty and the importance of being truthful with ourselves and others. It discusses deception as a survival strategy in the animal kingdom and reflects on the impact of honesty on relationships. The speaker emphasizes the power of radical self-honesty and the benefits of embracing the truth in our lives.

The podcast discusses Vipassana meditation, focusing on clear mindful attention. It explores relaxation techniques, body sensations, and using the breath as a home base for cultivating presence. The hosts also discuss experiencing waves of emotion and staying present. Overall, the podcast offers insights into gaining balance and deep understanding of reality through meditation.

Discover the superpower of mindful witnessing and its ability to uplift our spirits and respond to life with creativity and care. Learn how to activate the witness and be fully present in the moment. Explore how mindful witnessing promotes self-acceptance and presence. Discover oneself as the watcher and practice pausing and noticing during moments of conflict. Embrace the mystery and become aware of the light behind the witness.

Tara Brach leads a meditation session, exploring sensations and sounds. Resting in witnessing awareness is emphasized, along with self-awareness and mindfulness. The podcast also discusses the practice of witnessing as a form of meditation and the discovery of one's true nature.

Explore the power of conscious prayer in overcoming challenges and doubts. Reflect on the nature of thought and how it shapes our lives. Learn to shift our identity and embrace open-hearted awareness. Discover the evolution of prayer and the significance of aligning with the flow of loving awareness.

This podcast explores the practice of openhearted presence through meditation. It focuses on sensations in the body, tuning into sounds and environment, and relaxing attention to be more receptive. It also emphasizes kindness, clarity, and offering wishes for well-being.

Part 2: Rewiring for Happiness and Freedom - The Buddha said, “I would not be teaching this (a path of awakening) if genuine happiness and freedom were not possible.” While this is our potential, we each have deep conditioning to get stuck in feelings of fear, deficiency and separation from others. These talks explore the two interdependent pathways of undoing the conditioning that blocks our potential. In Part I we will look at how we can intentionally arouse states of well-being, and with practice, develop them into ongoing traits that bring presence and joy to our lives. In Part II, we will investigate how to cultivate an unconditional presence, and the radical acceptance and love, that are the grounds of true happiness and inner freedom.

Meditation: Relaxing Back into the Mystery - All true meditation guides us back to presence, and the mystery that is our source. In this guided meditation we awaken the senses, collect with the breath, and when lost in thought, practice relaxing back into the aliveness and awareness that is always here. We close with a beautiful poem from poet Danna Faulds.

Part 1: Rewiring for Happiness and Freedom - The Buddha said, “I would not be teaching this (a path of awakening) if genuine happiness and freedom were not possible.” While this is our potential, we each have deep conditioning to get stuck in feelings of fear, deficiency and separation from others. These talks explore the two interdependent pathways of undoing the conditioning that blocks our potential. In Part I we will look at how we can intentionally arouse states of wellbeing, and with practice, develop them into ongoing traits that bring presence and joy to our lives. In Part II, we will investigate how to cultivate an unconditional presence, and the radical acceptance and love, that are the grounds of true happiness and inner freedom.

Meditation: Coming Home with the Breath - Our breath is always available as a pathway back to presence. This simple meditation guides us to relax and awaken in the body, and then establishes the breath as a home base for our attention. Our practice is to notice when the mind becomes distracted, and gently return to our breath and senses. This helps the mind to become increasingly settled, calm and clear. We close with a short heart blessing.