))
Tara Brach, Ph.D is an internationally known meditation teacher and author of bestselling Radical Acceptance and True Refuge. Tara shares a weekly guided meditation and talk that blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices. The podcast addresses the value of mindfulness meditation and self-compassion in relieving emotional suffering, serving spiritual awakening and bringing healing to our world.
…
continue reading
If we are suffering, we are believing an interpretation of reality that is limiting and untrue. At these times we are imprisoned in a painful looping of fear-driven thoughts and feelings. This talk explores the ways our practices of mindfulness, compassion and loving presence can guide us from addictive thinking to perceiving life with a wise heart…
…
continue reading
This guided practice awakens all the senses with an embodied presence, allowing an opening to the moment-to-moment changing flow of experience. We then relax back, resting as the changeless open awareness that is conscious of the flow, and includes all life.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
Embodied Presence (Part 2) – Planting Our Roots in the Universe – Working with Pain
52:13
52:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:13
In describing our human predicament and dis-ease, D.H. Lawrence says we are like a great tree with our roots in the air. We need to replant ourselves—in our bodies, hearts and spirit. These two talks are guides to replanting ourselves. In Part 1, we explore how we are so often dissociated from the life of our body, and the pathways home. Part 2 loo…
…
continue reading
1
Meditation: A Listening Presence (20 min.)
20:00
20:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:00
The receptivity of listening awakens us to the living stream of life. This meditation guides us in listening to sounds, and then listening to and feeling the aliveness of our bodies and the movement of the breath. We close with a simple offering of lovingkindness to our inner life and our world.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
Embodied Presence (Part 1) – Planting Our Roots in the Universe
51:12
51:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:12
In describing our human predicament and dis-ease, D.H. Lawrence says we are like a great tree with our roots in the air. We need to replant ourselves—in our bodies, hearts and spirit. These two talks are guides to replanting ourselves. In Part 1, we explore how we are so often dissociated from the life of our body, and the pathways home. Part 2 loo…
…
continue reading
1
Meditation: Portal to Sacred Presence (22:01 min.)
19:51
19:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:51
This meditation includes a full body scan, and then opens the senses to all experience, allowing life to be just as it is. Awakening to the life of our body reveals the mysterious formless presence that is our source. We close with a poem from Danna Faulds.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
For the Love of Dogs…and All Beings
1:28:27
1:28:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:28:27
The focus of this conversation is on our relationships with dogs, and more broadly, all beings. We look at what Thich Nhat Hanh called interbeing, and what happens when we shift our attention from self to who are we together. Tara is joined by Mark Drucker, an animal lover who works in digital media and is founder of lovedog.com, and Drew Webster, …
…
continue reading
Our being has many frequencies of aliveness and as we attend to the more subtle, we discover a portal to the radiant awareness that is always here. This meditation guides us in using the breath and attention as we scan through the body and awaken an inner luminosity. We then open the attention to rest in the whole field of awake awareness.…
…
continue reading
Martin Luther King’s term, “Beloved Community,” points to our potential for living together with love, justice and respect. This talk explores the often hidden expressions of racism that fuel separation and violence, and pathways toward healing and freeing our collective hearts. NOTE: At the same time as the tragic killings in Charleston, SC, Tara’…
…
continue reading
1
Meditation: Relaxing Open into Full Presence
21:59
21:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:59
The pathway to presence does not involve efforts or striving. As you will find in this simple, gentle meditation, a vibrant and healing presence is possible as we wake up all our senses and intentionally relax with our changing experience. The gift is a true sense of homecoming, and with that openheartedness and peace.…
…
continue reading
1
Disarming Our Hearts - Part 2: Guidance from the Bodhisattva Path
50:08
50:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:08
By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
This guided practice helps us come into our senses through a body scan. We then rest in the awareness that is listening to and feeling the changing flow of experience. When the mind drifts, the return is a relaxing back to our senses, and to the sea of awareness that includes and experiences the waves of life. From the meditation closing: As part o…
…
continue reading
If we realized how profoundly our chronic judgment creates separation and blocks the flow of love, we’d dedicate more deeply to disarming our hearts. Drawing on practices from the Bodhisattva path, these two talks explore the process of disarming—bridging divides with those close in, and opening our hearts to those at a distance who we consider a ‘…
…
continue reading
As we relax and awaken through our physical body, we discover the formless dimension of awareness or spirit that permeates all of life. This meditation includes a poem, "the spirit likes to dress up," from Mary Oliver.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
Three Blessings in Spiritual Life – Part 3: A Mirror
57:52
57:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:52
This 3- part series explores three capacities we all have, that when cultivated, bring spiritual awakening and serve the healing of our world. Drawing on an ancient teaching story from India, we explore together the power of a forgiving heart, the inner fire that expresses as courage and dedication, and the inquiry of “who am I” that reveals our de…
…
continue reading
The attitude of meditation is one of engaged listening – a relaxed, receptive yet intimate attention. This meditation explores how we can listen to sounds, listen to and feel sensations, and then relax back into the ocean of awareness that includes and perceives the changing waves. In this relaxing back, we realize the peace and freedom of inhabiti…
…
continue reading
1
Three Blessings in Spiritual Life – Part 2: Inner Fire
47:43
47:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:43
This 3- part series explores three capacities we all have, that when cultivated, bring spiritual awakening and serve the healing of our world. Drawing on an ancient teaching story from India, we explore together the power of a forgiving heart, the inner fire that expresses as courage and dedication, and the inquiry of “who am I” that reveals our de…
…
continue reading
1
Meditation: Reconnecting to Silence and Presence
19:02
19:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:02
Only in silence and presence do we realign with what matters to our hearts. This simple practice of arriving in an embodied awareness supports us in touching the grounds of true transformation and healing. It closes with a powerful poem by Gunilla Norris, “Sharing Silence.”By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
Three Blessings in Spiritual Life – Part 1: Forgiveness
49:54
49:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:54
This 3-part series explores three capacities we all have, that when cultivated, bring spiritual awakening and serve the healing of our world. Drawing on an ancient teaching story from India, we explore together the power of a forgiving heart, the inner fire that expresses as courage and dedication, and the inquiry of “who am I” that reveals our dee…
…
continue reading
1
Meditation: Living Presence - Experiencing Aliveness and Openheartedness
20:04
20:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:04
The pathway to experiencing full aliveness and openheartedness is by awakening awareness throughout the body. This meditation begins by establishing a rhythmic inflow and outflow of the breath, in order to calm and collect the mind. Then continuing with the conscious breathing, we are guided through the body – bringing attention to sensations and s…
…
continue reading
1
Living with a Courageous Heart in Times of Crisis: A Conversation with Tara Brach & Oren Jay Sofer
1:10:28
1:10:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:28
The pace of change is speeding up and much of the news we receive is alarming. More than ever, we need the inner reflections and meditations that help us connect with our capacities for clarity, bravery and openheartedness. This is what Tara explores with Oren Jay Sofer, in his book entitled: Your Heart Was Made For This: Contemplative Practices to…
…
continue reading
1
Guided Meditation: Letting Life Be As It Is
21:49
21:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:49
When we learn to listen to our inner life without interference, we open to a tender and full experience of presence. This meditation guides us in awakening an intimate quality of listening, as we attend to sensations, moods, sounds and the entire dance of life.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
Homecoming to Loving Awareness (Retreat talk)
59:37
59:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:37
We have strong conditioning to identify as a separate self, and to feel all the fears and attachments that arise from not realizing our true belonging. This talk includes teachings and several experiential reflections that help us wake up from the trance of separation. As we grow familiar with the awareness and love that is our shared true nature, …
…
continue reading
1
Meditation: Open Awareness – Relaxing Back into Presence
19:24
19:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:24
This practice brings attention to the continuous space within and around the body, and the aliveness of sound, sensation and feeling that lives through us. While it’s natural for attention to get distracted, the pathway home is a relaxing back into the awake space that is aware of this changing life.…
…
continue reading
1
Cherishing Each Other: A Conversation with Tara Brach and Father Gregory Boyle
1:08:01
1:08:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:01
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 f…
…
continue reading
1
2024-04-24 - Meditation: Awakening through the Inner Body
21:56
21:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:56
When we attune to the inner body, we discover a field of energy and aliveness that is the portal to pure presence. This meditation guides our attention to the inner body, opens to the play of sound and invites us to rest in the awake awareness that includes and is the grounds of this living world.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
Spiritual Reparenting: Loving Ourselves into Healing (from retreat)
57:28
57:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:28
Mindfulness and compassion, when brought to our wounded heart, have the capacity to rewire our brain and free our spirit. This talk explores the ways we get trapped in the trance of feeling unworthy and unlovable, and how, with a wise attention, we can profoundly transform our relationship with our inner life. NOTE: this talk was given at the 5-day…
…
continue reading
In times of stress, it’s crucial that we have pathways to quiet our minds, relax our bodies and rest in a calm, steady presence. This meditation guides us in using the breath, body scan, and a home base of presence to find that inner refuge that can carry us through difficult times.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
Just as presence is the heart of meditation, so deep listening is at the center of all conscious, loving relationships. This talk explores how our wants and fears block listening, ways we can deepen our capacity for listening, and the healing that unfolds when we truly feel heard by another. What happens when you’re really listening?…
…
continue reading
The attitude of meditation is one of engaged listening – a relaxed, receptive yet intimate attention. This meditation explores how we can listen to sounds, listen to and feel sensations, and then relax back into the ocean of awareness that includes and perceives the changing waves. In this relaxing back, we realize the peace and freedom of inhabiti…
…
continue reading
1
2024-04-03 - Relating Wisely to our Inner Life: Tara and Lee C Camp
1:06:40
1:06:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:40
In this conversation, recorded for the acclaimed podcast, No Small Endeavor, award winning theologian Lee C. Camp interviews Tara about radically accepting and loving our being, just as we are. The conversation includes an unpacking of the RAIN meditation, and stories of navigating difficulty from Tara’s life. No Small Endeavor, produced by Great F…
…
continue reading
One translation of mindfulness, in Chinese, is “present heart.” In this guided meditation we begin by awakening through the body and the senses, and then open the attention to the changing flow of experience. The intention is to meet whatever arises with a wakeful and kind presence. It's so helpful to say, "What's happening inside me right now?" Th…
…
continue reading
1
An Invitation to Freedom: A conversation between Tara and Connirae Andreas
1:16:29
1:16:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:29
Connirae Andreas was one of the first trainers in neurolinguistic programming (NLP), developed and wrote a book on the Core Transformation Process, and more recently, the Wholeness Process. Her new book, The Wholeness Work Essential Guide: Level I—Healing and Awakening is the focus of our conversation. Connirae’s teachings and practices are deep an…
…
continue reading
If we can recognize thoughts as thoughts, it becomes possible to open from virtual to living reality. This meditation guides us in awakening the senses and discovering the freedom, the awake space of Being, that is beyond the confines of thoughts.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
2024-03-20 - Do you feel Overwhelmed? Turning Stress into a Gateway of Awakening
42:19
42:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:19
Stress and overwhelm are spiking around the globe. This talk explores how we can practice with the arising of stress in ways that calm our body and tap our capacity for full presence, wisdom and love.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
This meditation guides us in embodying loving presence through a body scan, and then meeting whatever arises with a tender heart. “Resting in the awareness that includes this changing life, regarding the changing waves with care, moment-to-moment. The moments of waking up out of thought are actually profoundly transformational. If you notice thinki…
…
continue reading
How do we process and respond to increasing societal oppression and violence? What helps us transform the energies of fear, hatred and delusion? This talk offers ways we can draw on our spiritual path to steady our heart and engage with presence, wisdom and care.By Tara Brach
…
continue reading
1
Meditation: Cultivating a Gentle, Kind Attention
19:28
19:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:28
This meditation calls on the image and felt sense of a smile as we scan through the body, and invites a receptive and caring presence, as we open our attention to the changing flow of life. "Our freedom comes not from what is happening, but from how we are relating to it. See if you can relate with the spirit of yes, allowing whatever arises to be …
…
continue reading
1
Part 2: Healing Depression with Meditation
55:52
55:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:52
Most people get depressed at times, and many suffer greatly from bouts of major depression. At the heart of the suffering is the experience of severed belonging—of being imprisoned in the pain of separation, unworthiness, unlovability and hopelessness. These two talks explore several meditation practices that reconnect us with our natural aliveness…
…
continue reading
Meditation becomes truly freeing in the moments when there is no controlling whatsoever; when nothing is resisted or grasped after. This guided meditation begins with a simple body scan, relaxing and awakening to sensations in the body and then including the play of sound. We then let go of any doing, and simply notice and allow the changing flow o…
…
continue reading
1
Part 1: Healing Depression with Meditation
1:03:35
1:03:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:35
Most people get depressed at times, and many suffer greatly from bouts of major depression. At the heart of the suffering is the experience of severed belonging—of being imprisoned in the pain of separation, unworthiness, unlovability and hopelessness. These two talks explore several meditation practices that reconnect us with our natural aliveness…
…
continue reading
We spend great swaths of time in a trance that removes us from awareness of our body and senses. This meditation reconnects us by scanning through the body, including sounds and then resting in the field of awareness and aliveness. We practice relaxing and gently arriving again when thoughts carry us away; learning the pathway home to living presen…
…
continue reading
1
“Getting Over Yourself”: A conversation with Tara Brach and Stephen Josephs
1:04:49
1:04:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:49
Executive coach and author Stephen Josephs has worked with many top business leaders, guiding them in transcending the egoic conditioning that limit their impact on other people, and on societal change. In this conversation we look at what he’s learned about inner freedom and awakening from his own trauma, from 60 years of spiritual practice, from …
…
continue reading
Our pathway to peace and happiness is through opening, with tenderness, to our moment-to-moment experience. This meditation guides us first to be awake in our body and senses, and then to include the changing flow of life in a spacious, kind heart. We close with a short verse from poet Dorothy Hunt - Peace Is This Moment Without Judgment.…
…
continue reading
1
Letting Go of Controlling – Part 2: The Path of Freedom
1:00:29
1:00:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:29
While it’s natural to try to control our life experience, our chronic controlling cuts us off from presence and obscures the loving awareness that is our essence. This series of talks explores how we can let go in four key domains of controlling: clinging to thoughts, resisting feelings, holding tight to beliefs and armoring our heart. We look at h…
…
continue reading
This meditation awakens our senses, then guides us to rest in the changing flow of experience. When the mind drifts, we are invited to relax back into full living presence, into that Beingness that is the center of now. “Listening to and feeling, the changing flow - right here, right in the center of now.”…
…
continue reading
1
What is the Path to Peace? A conversation with Tara Brach and Assaf Katz
1:01:45
1:01:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:45
What is the Path to Peace? A conversation with Tara Brach and Assaf Katz - Assaf Katz is an activist and Buddhist teacher in Israel who opposes the Israeli governments’ devastating military action and long occupation in Palestine, and is dedicated to finding a path to peace. This conversation was part of an event for the Tovana mediation community …
…
continue reading
This meditation begins with a period of relaxing and collecting our attention with intentional long, deep breathing. We then deepen embodied presence, and widen to the awareness that includes sounds, sensations, feelings, breath, and all experience. When the mind drifts from this open, awake awareness, we gently return, re-relaxing and resting in a…
…
continue reading
1
Letting Go of Controlling – Part 1: The Path of Freedom
56:10
56:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:10
Letting Go of Controlling – Part 1: The Path of Freedom - While it’s natural to try to control our life experience, our chronic controlling cuts us off from presence and obscures the loving awareness that is our essence. This series of talks explores how we can let go in four key domains of controlling: clinging to thoughts, resisting feelings, hol…
…
continue reading
Meditation: Letting Go… Letting Be - This guided meditation invites us to imagine a clenched fist relaxing open, and explores this in releasing contractions in the body as well as the grip of thoughts. When we deeply let go and let be, our energy flows freely. We reconnect with our natural aliveness, love and awareness.…
…
continue reading
