Tara Brach

Releasing the Barriers to Unconditional Loving

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:48:00 +0000

2013-05-15 - Releasing the Barriors to Unconditional Loving - We long for love and habitually armor our hearts. This talk explores the aggression and clinging that protect our wound of feeling unlovable, and the ways that mindfulness can dissolve our defenses and reveal our inner refuge of pure loving presence.

2013-05-08-Meditation-Coming-Home-to-Being

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Sat, 11 May 2013 02:40:00 +0000

2013-05-08 - Meditation: Coming Home to Being - Enjoy the meditation prior to the talk at Tara's Wednesday night's class at RRUUC.

Remembering Being

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Sat, 11 May 2013 02:17:41 +0000

2013-05-08 - Remembering Being - Our fear-based doings block us from realizing the formless dimension of our Being, and living from that source of wisdom and love. This talk explores the habitual control strategies that keep us from presence; and the role of mindfulness and lovingkindness in reconnecting with the ground of Being.

Loving Ourselves (Retreat Talk)

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:24:31 +0000

2013-04-28 - Retreat Talk: Loving Ourselves - The greatest truths we forget, and one of them is that if we don't love the life that is right here--what we perceive as self--we are unable to embrace our world. This talk explores the suffering of turning on ourselves and the deep freedom that arises when we commit to relating to our inner life with loving presence.

Letting Go Into Living and Dying

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

2013-04-24 - Letting Go Into Living and Dying - Our capacity to live and love fully is directly related to our acceptance of change and loss. This talk explores how we avoid the pain of loss, ways of practicing that open us to this changing world, and the gifts of letting go into the flow.

Entering the Mystery

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:00:00 +0000

2013-04-17 - Entering the Mystery - John O'Donahue writes, "We are so busy managing our lives, we forget this great mystery we are involved in." This talk looks at the ways we pull away from the mystery and the path of "beginners mind" that enables us to encounter this living world with freshness, courage and wonder. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Heavenly Messengers

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:00:00 +0000

2013-04-10 - Heavenly Messengers - Tara interviews Frank Ostaseski, founder of Zen Hospice, on a contemplative approach to death and dying. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 3: Three Blessings - Looking Into the Mirror

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:00:00 +0000

2013-04-03 - Part 3: Three Blessings - Looking In the Mirror - The third gift on the journey of awakening is the mirror. In this talk we explore how to look back into our own minds and discover the timeless, radiant presence that is our essence. It is this realization of our Beingness that enables us to live these lives with wisdom, love and wonder. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 2: Three Blessings - Inner Fire

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:00:00 +0000

2013-03-27 - Part 2: Three Blessings - Inner Fire - Each of us has the longing to manifest our full potential--to realize and live from loving, awake awareness. This longing is our inner fire, and when conscious and vibrant, it energizes the spiritual path. In this talk we reflect on how fear obscures and redirects our inner fire, and how practices of presence and wise reflection awaken the power and purity of our longing. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

(retreat talk) Self Compassion

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:00:00 +0000

2009-10-26 - (retreat talk) Self Compassion - We can only find love and peace in this life if we are able to hold our inner life with compassion. This talk explores the subtle and therefore often unseen ways that we turn on ourselves, and the pathways to a forgiving heart. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 1: Three Blessings of Awakening Consciousness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:00:00 +0000

2013-03-13 - Part 1: Three Blessings of Awakening Consciousness - In this two part series we explore the evolution of consciousness through the lens of three key capacities: A forgiving heart, inner fire (conscious aspiration toward freedom) and self-inquiry. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

(retreat talk) Minting Gold - Embodying the Awakened Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2010-12-31 - Minting Gold - Embodying the Awakened Heart - Our core conditioning expresses as both a longing for love and the pain of not trusting we are loveable. This talk explores how we create the experience of separation, and the key meditative heart- trainings that lead us to realizing and living from the truth of our connectedness. NOTE: Snowed out on Wednesday, so offering a retreat talk from 2010. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

The Fires of Loss

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2010-06-16 - The Fires of Loss - We all encounter the great losses of our own health and life, and of cherished others. We are conditioned to resist opening to the rawness and grief that comes with loss. This talk describes the refuge of presence in the face of loss, and the gift of timeless love that arises as we make peace with the reality of this living, dying world. NOTE: Tara was traveling this week, so offering a well-loved talk from 2010. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Beyond the Interpreted World

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2013-02-20 - Beyond the Interpreted World - Hildegard of Bingen writes, "An interpreted world is not a Home." This talk explores the suffering that arises from believing in an interpreted reality, and the love, aliveness and freedom that becomes accessible as we challenge beliefs and awaken into living presence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

The Wings of a Liberating Presence

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2013-02-13 - The Wings of a Liberating Presence - No matter what is happening in our lives, if we relate to our experience with mindful recognition and an allowing presence, it becomes a portal to freedom. In this talk we explore how the cultivation of these wings of presence awakens us from the identification with an egoic self, and reveals the awareness and love that is our true nature. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Embodying True Refuge--Serving and Savoring Life

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2013-02-06 - Embodying True Refuge--Serving and Savoring Life - This talk traces the story of the Buddha's awakening, and reflects on four key archetypal elements that are relevant for each of us as we come home to our true nature. There is a particular emphasis on how these elements enable us to encounter challenges in relationships and find our way to openhearted presence. Includes music honoring the launch of Tara's new book, True Refuge: vocal by La Sarmiento and Kirtan band with Guru Ganesha. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Remembering What Matters

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2013-01-30 - Remembering What Matters - Our conscious aspiration toward awakening is what energizes the spiritual path. This talk reviews the main characteristic of a vital aspiration, the conditioning that obscures our deepest intentions and offers guided reflections to connect us with what most matters. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

The God Whom I Love is Inside

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2012-12-29 - (retreat talk) The God Whom I Love is Inside - Our suffering arises from unlived life--the fears and loneliness and hurt that we have been unable to digest and include in our heart. This talk explores our conditioning to become dis-embodied and the blessings of spiritual realization that arise as we inhabit our aliveness fully. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Stepping Out of the Cave

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2013-01-16 - Stepping Out of the Cave - If we are suffering it is because we are believing something that is not true. This talk explores the genesis of our core beliefs and the investigation, mindfulness and compassion that can release their grip. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

The Barriers to Loving Presence

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2013-01-09 - The Barriers to Loving Presence - You might reflect on someone important to you, and ask: "What is between me and loving fully?" Notice what happens. This talk explores the ways we create separations from others, and the power of inquiry and presence to awaken an unconditionally loving heart. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Finding True Refuge

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:00:00 +0000

2013-01-02 - Finding True Refuge - This talk explores the three classic gateways to peace and freedom and includes a living ritual that invites us to bring a conscious, sincere dedication to our awakening on the spiritual path. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Meditation - Awakening Compassion (from retreat)

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-12-31 - Meditation - Awakening Compassion - Our deepest wisdom and purest actions arise out of open-hearted presence. This meditation is drawn from the Tibetan tradition and carries us home to the vastness of loving presence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Turning Toward the Light

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-12-19 - Turning Toward the Light - This solstice talk explores how, in the face of darkness - unconsciousness, ignorance, violence - we can call on the light that is within us. The two pathways are to courageously look directly into the places of suffering, and to include in our gaze, the intrinsic goodness in all beings, in life. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Forgiving Our Way to Freedom

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-12-12 - A Forgiving Heart - Living with chronic blame or resentment is a trance that confines us to a limited fragment of what we are. This talk looks at the ways this trance is fueled and the process by which we release the armoring around our hearts. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

A Forgiving Heart - Embracing our Inner Life

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-12-05 - A Forgiving Heart - Embracing our Inner Life - Self-aggression, whether it's low key blame or deep condemnation, prevents us from intimacy with others and discovering the truth and wholeness of our Being. This talk explores how we can release self-blame, and free ourselves to access our natural warmth and creativity in responding to our world. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Guided Meditation - A Forgiving Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-11-28 - Guided Meditation - A Forgiving Heart - Forgiveness is the letting go of armor we have erected around our heart. While forgiving is a life-long process, it can be engaged and deepened by practices such as the one offered here. The best attitude in approaching this meditation is one of gentleness and clear intention. Reflect on what matters to you, and then let go of any judgments or expectations as to how the meditation "should" unfold. Blessings! Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Gratitude and Generosity - Markings of Inner Freedom

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-11-21 - Gratitude and Generosity - Markings of Inner Freedom - Those who are genuinely happy, are also naturally grateful for life and generous in living. This Thanksgiving Eve talk explores key ways we block the arising of gratitude and generosity, and practices of mindful presence and direct cultivation that awaken these expressions of the liberated heart. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Hands Off the Controls

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-11-14 - Hands Off the Controls - We are deeply conditioned to respond to impermanence and inevitable loss by trying to control our experience. Our egoic reactivity prevents us from responding wisely to our life, and living the moments fully. This talk looks at how we can let go of controlling, open to the groundlessness we run from, and reconnect with the deep intelligence and love that flows through our being. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Practical Dharma for Stressful Times

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-11-07 - Practical Dharma for Stressful Times - When we are caught in a stress reaction, we are in a trance that cuts us off from our creativity, full intelligence and capacity to be loving. This talk explores the flags of the stress-trance and three meditative strategies for shifting from fight/flight to attend/befriend. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

(retreat talk) Loving the Life Within Us

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-10-27 - Loving the Life Within Us (retreat talk) - If we don't love the life we consider "self," we will not realize or live from the loving awareness that is our essence. This talk guides us in bringing a kind, accepting presence to our inner life, and discovering the vastness of what we really are. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Wise Investigation: Dissolving the Trance

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-10-24 - Wise Investigation: Dissolving the Trance - If we are suffering, it is because we are believing something that is not true and caught in emotional reactivity. A key tool in meditation is investigation--actively inquiring into what is happening inside us. When we investigate with sincere interest and care, the light of our attention untangles difficult emotions and nourishes intimate relationships. As this light is turned toward awareness itself, it reveals the radiance and emptiness of our true nature. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Question and Response with Tara

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-10-17 - Question and Response with Tara - Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 2 - Wise Intention--Living in Truth

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-10-10 - Part 2 - Wise Intention--Living in Truth - Evolution has conditioned us to identify as an egoic self and to protect that identity. A key strategy is trying to control how others perceive us through pretense and deception. This talk explores the ways we disarm though dedicating ourselves to truthfulness, forgiving our defenses and taking a chance to name and make room for the vulnerability we have been armoring. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 1 - Wise Intention--the Compass of our Hearts

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-10-03 - Part 1 - Wise Intention--the Compass of our Hearts - One of the most powerful spiritual practices in the world is to reflect on your hearts deepest intention. These two talks look at the way that ego-based intentions perpetuate thoughts, feelings and actions that keep us imprisoned in feeling separate and limited. In contrast, remembering our deeper intentions call us home to the freedom of our true nature. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 2 - Embodied Spirit

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-09-26 - Part 2 - Embodied Spirit - Our body--this changing field of sensation--is a portal into pure Being. These talks explore the resistance we have to embodied presence, the pathways that enable us to awaken through our bodies, and the blessings of realization that arise as we let go over and over into the aliveness of our senses. Part 2 specifically addresses the challenge of arriving in embodied presence when we are facing traumatic fear, and other intense and difficult emotions. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 1 - Embodied Spirit

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-09-19 - Part 1 - Embodied Spirit - Our body--this changing field of sensation--is a portal into pure Being. These talks explore the resistance we have to embodied presence, the pathways that enable us to awaken through our bodies, and the blessings of realization that arise as we let go over and over into the aliveness of our senses. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

The Freedom of Yes

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-09-12 - The Freedom of Yes - How do we accept ourselves or others when our actions are causing harm? Does acceptance mean passivity? Does it undermine our efforts towards change? This talk responds to these questions with a simple, illuminating and challenging principle about genuine transformation: Acceptance is the prerequisite of true healing and awakening. Only when we've paused to recognize and allow this moment's experience to be fully as it is, can we respond from our intelligence and compassion to prevent future suffering. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Trance of the Unreal Other

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-09-05 - Trance of the Unreal Other - We are conditioned to perceive people as unreal others- two dimensional characters who lack sentience, vulnerability and goodness. This is often most insidious when we filter people through demeaning culturally driven stereotypes. This talk explores the suffering of living in a trance that separates us from others, and how our practices of mindfulness and compassion enable us to experience what Thoreau calls the "miracle" of seeing through another's eyes, if only for a moment. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Intimacy with Our Inner Life

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-08-29 - Intimacy with Our Inner Life - Jung wrote that our suffering arises from the unseen, unfelt parts of our psyche. This talk explores ways we can establish a healing presence by recognizing and communicating with the parts of our being that we habitually ignore or judge. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Part 2 - 1000 Serious Moves

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-08-22 - Part 2 - 1000 Serious Moves - We easily habituate to feeling stressed, leaning forward, trying to figure things out and get things done. The undercurrent is we are living reactively--resisting unpleasant experience, seeking out more comfort and ease-- perpetually wanting life to be different than it is. In response to this confined way of living, the Buddha invites us to discover our innate capacity for happiness, the wellbeing that arises in full presence. These two talks explore the ways we get caught in the trance of reactivity and grimness, and the pathways to unconditioned happiness. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

1000 Serious Moves

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-08-15 - 1000 Serious Moves - We easily habituate to feeling stressed, leaning forward, trying to figure things out and get things done. The undercurrent is we are living reactively--resisting unpleasant experience, seeking out more comfort and ease-- perpetually wanting life to be different than it is. In response to this confined way of living, the Buddha invites us to discover our innate capacity for happiness, the wellbeing that arises in full presence. These two talks explore the ways we get caught in the trance of reactivity and grimness, and the pathways to unconditioned happiness. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Real But Not True

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-08-08 - Real but not True - One of the most liberating realizations is that we don't have to believe our thoughts. In this talk we look at the suffering caused by limiting beliefs--"I am unworthy, unloveable, unsafe"--and the process by which we open into the full aliveness and potential of our being. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Back to the Garden

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-08-01 - Back to the Garden - The suffering of perceiving ourselves as separate selves expresses as fear, aggression, shame and a host of other afflictive emotions. This talk examines how, by taking refuge in the present moment, and taking refuge in love, we reconnect with our wholeness, and the timeless presence that is home. This inquiry includes a guided meditation on the power of prayer to carry us back to our natural belonging. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

Listening with an Awake Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-07-25 - Listening with an Awake Heart - Listening to our inner life and each other is the grounds of healing, intimacy and love. This talk explores the challenges to offering a listening presence, and the qualities of open receptivity and interest that nourish true communicating. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations allow us to continue to freely offer the teachings!

(from Retreat) Our True Nature--Emptiness Dancing

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:00:00 +0000

(retreat talk) 2011-10-12 - Our True Nature--Emptiness Dancing - The most profound question in spiritual life is "who (or what) am I?" This talk explores ways of inquiring into the nature of awareness, and the blessings of embodying the realization of our radiant, empty essence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

(from Retreat) Introduction to the Heart Practices

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-04-28 - Introduction to the Heart Practices - These instructions on the heart practices were given at the IMCW 2012 Spring Retreat. A guided lovingkindness or "metta" meditation to open the heart and come home to presence follows. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Part 2 - Freedom: Taking the Backward Step

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-07-04 - Part 2 - Freedom: Taking the Backward Step - This talk investigates the core conditioning that creates and sustains trance. We then explore two gateways to realizing and inhabiting our true nature - inquiry and letting go. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Part 1 - Freedom: Seeing Who is Looking Through the Mask

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-6-27 - Part 1 - Freedom: Seeing Who is Looking Through the Mask - We suffer when we are identified with our egoic conditioning and unable to recognize the spirit - the love and awareness - that animates our own and all beings. In this talk we explore how recognizing our vulnerability and basic goodness helps us to see through the mask and realize who is here. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Cultivating Equanimity (Duck Meditation)

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-06-20 - Cultivating Equanimity (Duck Meditation) - Equinimity, the mindful presence that neither grasps nor resists experience, is the grounds for unconditional love and wise action. This talk explores the conditioning that entraps us in reactivity, and two primary pathways for coming home to this natural state of balance and presence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Committing to Joy

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-06-13 - Committing to Joy - What makes joy rare? How do we awaken this beautiful capacity to embrace life? In this talk we explore the obstacles to joy and the attitude and practices that free us to "love what is." Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Cultivating Compassion

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-06-06 - Cultivating Compassion - We each have the potential to live with a compassionate, open heart. In this talk we explore the conditioning that closes us off to authentic caring, and the ways of deepening our attention that help us live to include widening circles of beings in our heart. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Intimacy with Life - Awakening Love

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-05-30 - Intimacy with Life - Awakening Love - The Buddha taught about four Divine Abodes--dwelling places of the awakened heart mind: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In this four-part series, we will explore the ways our conditioning blocks us from these expressions of inner freedom, and the understandings and practices that enable us to inhabit our full potential. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Training for Intimacy with Life

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-05-23 - Training for Intimacy with Life - "Enlightenment is intimacy with all things" teaches Zen Master Dogen. While we long for this intimacy, we are conditioned to avoid the vulnerability and fear that an intimate presence can arouse. This talk explores how our mindfulness and heart practices cultivate the capacity to be intimate with our sensations of aliveness, our emotions and the beings in our life. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Part 2: The Lion's Roar

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-05-16 - Part 2: The Lion's Roar - The Buddha taught that faith--trust in our true nature--is intrinsic to the spiritual path and the expression of wisdom. These two talks investigate the practices of presence that awaken our faith and the freedom that arises when our faith becomes radiant and full. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Part 1: The Lion's Roar

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-05-09 - Part 1: The Lion's Roar - The Buddha taught that faith--trust in our true nature--is intrinsic to the spiritual path and the expression of wisdom. These two talks investigate the practices of presence that awaken our faith and the freedom that arises when our faith becomes radiant and full. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

(Retreat Talk) Be Who You Are

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-05-02 - (Retreat Talk) Be Who You Are - By bringing a surrendering presence to mental, emotional and physical domains, we undo the trance of separation and discover our true nature. This talk explores the practices that cultivate the non-resisting space of presence, and the flavors of our essential being that are revealed: open awareness, love and a vibrant flow of awareness. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

The World in Our Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-04-25 - The World in Our Heart - Some contemporary evolutionary theories track our development from survival of the fittest to group selection whereby we have the capacity for cooperation and empathy. This talk explores how our meditation practice of attending and befriending consciously facilitates the unfolding of our full evolutionary potential. The talk includes a guided meditation that helps us widen the circles of belonging to include all beings. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Open Heart, Open Mind

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-04-18 - Open Heart, Open Mind - Tsoknyi Rinpoche with Tara Brach - In talking about his new book, Tibetan teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche describes the layers of self that cover over our "essence love," and the way that mindfulness reconnects us to our true nature. His stories, humor and teachings are vibrant and inspiring! Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

A Mindful Nation

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-04-14 - A Mindful Nation - One of the great sources of hope is the "quiet revolution" of mindfulness that is appearing in schools, hospitals, prisons, the military, corporate settings and the lives of millions of people around the world. In this talk, US Congressman Tim Ryan points to highlights of this revolution--which are reviewed in his compelling new book, A Mindful Nation. He shares about his own personal experience with mindfulness practice and his commitment to seeing the mindfulness and compassion at the center of our work for a better future. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Beyond the Prison of Beliefs

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-04-04 - Beyond the Prison of Beliefs - Most of us have core fear beliefs that obscure our true nature and bind us in repeating patterns of painful emotions and behavior. This talk looks at the beliefs that limit us and the freedom that is possible when we investigate them with a kind, mindful awareness. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donations make a difference!

Alchemy of Wise Effort in Spiritual Life

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-03-21 - Alchemy of Wise Effort in Spiritual Life - The ground of wise effort is our sincere intentionality toward presence, love and freedom. Yet our habit is to go into trance, and latch on to narrowed intentions of self-enhancement or defense. When this goes on for years, we feel disappointment in our lives, a sense of not being true to ourselves. Through guided reflections, we explore how--in spiritual practice and in relationships--we can connect with our deepest intention and live in a way that expresses our awakening heart and awareness. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Imagine if even 10% of listeners gave $10 a month? The audio could be self-supporting!

Flowering, From Within, of Self-Blessing

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000

2012-03-14 - Flowering, From Within, of Self-Blessing - This line from poet Galway Kinnell reminds us of the possibility of meeting our inner life with a loving, healing presence. When we do, we loosen the trance of unworthiness and reconnect with our intrinsic goodness. In turn, we can offer our blessings to others--serving as reminders of the awareness and love that can blossom in all beings. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Imagine if even 10% of listeners gave $10 a month? The audio could be self-supporting!

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-03-07 - Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty - We suffer when we forget who we are and get caught in a limited sense of self. This talk explores how we become identified with a sliver of what we are, and the pathway to remembering our wholeness. When we know we're the ocean, we are free to relate to the waves with respect, compassion and love. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Embodied Presence: Gateway to Intimacy and Freedom

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

2012-02-29 - Embodied Presence: Gateway to Intimacy and Freedom - We often move through the day in a reactive trance, removed from the aliveness of our bodies and this natural world. This talk explores how coming home to our bodies awakens us to living love, creativity and the deepest realization of who we are. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Opening the Lotus of Your Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

2012-02-03 - Opening the Lotus of Your Heart - (from 2012 Women's Retreat) Our reaction to life's stress is to contract, and we live many moments with a tight body, clenched heart and narrowed mind. This talk explores how deepening attention can reconnect us with our natural openness and radiance. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Guided Meditation: Letting Life Live Through Us

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-02-08 - Guided Meditation: Letting Life Live Through Us - Meditation ends with poem by Roger Keyes, "Hokusai Says." Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Questions, Guided Meditation and Group Sharings

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-02-08 - Questions, Guided Meditation and Group Sharings - Led by Tara. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 2 - Three Blessings on the Journey

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-02-01 - Part 2 - Three Blessings on the Journey - Drawing on a wonderful teaching story from the Upanishads, these two talks explore the role of forgiveness, inner fire and looking at our own minds, in finding freedom. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 1 - Three Blessings on the Journey

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-01-25 - Part 1 - Three Blessings on the Journey - Drawing on a wonderful teaching story from the Upanishads, these two talks explore the role of forgiveness, inner fire and looking at our own minds, in finding freedom. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 2 - Trusting Your Basic Goodness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-01-18 - Part 2 - Trusting Your Basic Goodness - Einstein says the most important question we will ever ask ourselves is, "Is this universe a friendly place?" Do we trust that there is something essentially benevolent or good about this universe? That we are essentially good? These two talks explore what it means to trust basic goodness, and how this trust naturally emerges through cultivating a meditative presence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 1 - Trusting Your Basic Goodness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-01-11 - Part 1 - Trusting Your Basic Goodness - Einstein says the most important question we will ever ask ourselves is, "Is this universe a friendly place?" Do we trust that there is something essentially benevolent or good about this universe? That we are essentially good? These two talks explore what it means to trust basic goodness, and how this trust naturally emerges through cultivating a meditative presence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Taking Refuge

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

2012-01-04 - Taking Refuge - This class explores the three classic gateways to true refuge - Buddha (awareness), Dharma (path, truth of reality) and Sangha (spiritual friends, loving relatedness). It includes reflections and a ceremony that supports us in remembering the pathway home. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Blessings of Embodied Presence

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-12-29 - The Blessings of Embodied Presence (retreat talk) - All that we cherish - love, creativity, wisdom and aliveness - becomes available when we come home to an embodied presence. This talk looks at how the two wings of mindfulness and compassion guide us in the midst of difficulty to our inner sanctuary of freedom. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

No Mud No Lotus

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-12-21 - No Mud No Lotus - Our attitude in the face of life's challenges determines our suffering or our freedom. This solstice talk explores the light of compassion that blossoms when we honor our difficult times with a deep, mindful attention. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Dance of Relational Trance

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-12-14 - The Dance of Relational Trance - When we become emotionally reactive in our relationships, we often go into a trance that creates separation and locks us into a narrow sense of self. This talk explores how, by pausing and deepening our attention, we can reconnect with the wisdom of our hearts. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Backward Step

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

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!

Genuine Acceptance

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:00:00 +0000

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!

Pathways to a Grateful Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:00:00 +0000

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!

Mindful Speech

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:00:00 +0000

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!

The Space of Presence

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:00:00 +0000

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!

Divine Abodes: Equanimity

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-11-02 - Divine Abodes: Equanimity - Equanimity is the mental state of balance and non-reactivity that arises when we are resting in open, wakeful presence. This talk reviews the key pathways to equanimity in the face of difficulty. We also explore the blessing of equanimity: the freedom to respond to our life with wisdom, compassion and love. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Divine Abodes: Joy

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-10-26 - Divine Abodes: Joy - Joy is an innate capacity, an expression of unconditional presence with life. Yet for many, it is blocked by our conditioning to grasp after life and to defend against loss. This talk explores how we can develop the selfless presence that allows for joy, and nourish that joy so it blossoms in our life. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Divine Abodes: Compassion

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-10-19 - Divine Abodes: Compassion - We cultivate compassion by letting ourselves be touched by the suffering within and around us. Because our conditioning is to avoid vulnerability, the path of compassion requires courage and purposefulness. As we awaken to the truth of our connectedness, our hearts become increasingly tender and our actions serve the healing of our world. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Unconditional Love for the Life Within

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:30:00 +0000

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!

Divine Abodes: Lovingkindness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-10-05 - Divine Abodes: Lovingkindness - Love is the most basic expression of who we are, and yet it is often obscured by the trance of separation and fear. This talk explores how we habitually armor our hearts, and the training of attention that awakens us to unconditional, all inclusive love. A classic form of the metta (lovingkindness) meditation is part of the talk. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Causing No Harm

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-09-28 - Causing No Harm - The mindstates behind violence--anger and fear--are universal and natural. If they possess us and drive our actions, we suffer. If we learn to meet them with a mindful awareness--if we step out of judgment and angry reactivity--we serve our own freedom and the possibility of peace on earth as well. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 2 - Do You Make Regular Visits to Yourself?

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-09-21 - Part 2 - Do You Make Regular Visits to Yourself? - These two classes cover the basic instructions for Buddhist mindfulness (vipassana or insight) meditation. The first class explores the attitude we bring to meditation that makes it rewarding, and the training that helps us in "coming back" from thoughts. The second class guides us in "being here," in cultivating a mindful awareness that recognizes and accepts what is happening in the present moment. Both classes include guided meditations and valuable reminders that can support you in developing a rich meditation practice. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 1 - Do You Make Regular Visits to Yourself?

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-09-14 - Part 1 - Do You Make Regular Visits to Yourself? - These two classes cover the basic instructions for Buddhist mindfulness (vipassana or insight) meditation. The first class explores the attitude we bring to meditation that makes it rewarding, and the training that helps us in "coming back" from thoughts. The second class guides us in "being here," in cultivating a mindful awareness that recognizes and accepts what is happening in the present moment. Both classes include guided meditations and valuable reminders that can support you in developing a rich meditation practice. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Finding The Juice Inside Fear

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-09-07 - Finding The Juice Inside of Fear - Learning to bring a mindful presence to fear is an intrinsic part of spiritual awakening. In this talk we look at the ways we get caught in the trance of fear, and how the two wings of presence--clear recognition and openheartedness--can free us. This process of facing unmet fears is necessary not only for our own healing, but for any possibility of peace and the healing of our planet. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Befriending Irene

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-08-31 - Befriending Irene - Whether you face chronic anxiety or more violent storms of fear and anger, you can cultivate the wings of freedom--the mindfulness and compassion--that free you. This talk explores how the habit of being reactive causes us suffering and the ways these tools of meditation can be applied to the inner weather systems that most challenge us. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Wholehearted Living

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-08-24 - Wholehearted Living - What stops us from being wholehearted in our relationships and life? This talk explores the conditioning that keeps us from an engaged presence, and the key elements to manifesting heart and spirit in all that we do. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Gift of Silence

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2007-09-26 - The Gift of Silence - Through all spiritual traditions, there is a valuing of silence and stillness. When the mind has quieted, it becomes possible to see into the truth of what we are. Yet quieting can turn into a battle with the process of the thinking mind. This talk explores practices that allow us to settle in a natural way, the presence which is silence itself, and the wisdom and love that flows freely when we live from that silence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Relating Wisely to Desire

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-08-10 - Relating Wisely to Desire - Without desire, this world would not exist. While this universal energy is entirely natural, if we are not mindful of it, desire can become a narrowed fixation or addiction that creates deep suffering. This talk explores the ways we can pay attention that honor this energy without allowing it to cut us off from presence and possess us. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Learning to Respond, Not React

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-08-03 - Learning to Respond, Not React - When life doesn't go our way, we often launch into a chain reaction of obsessive thinking, blaming and unpleasant emotions. This talk explores how we can use meditative practices to step out of reactive patterns and respond to life's challenges from our naturally wise heart. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 2: The Mystery of Who We Are

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-07-27 - Part 2: The Mystery of Who We Are - Everything we cherish--love, creativity, wisdom, aliveness-- arises out of our capacity to arrive in Beingness. This talk explores the stress that leads us to cut off from our natural state of being, and two key pathways home. Included are guided meditations that explore the nature of our awareness, the essence of who we are. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Mystery of Who We Are

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-07-20 - The Mystery of Who We Are - The Buddha taught that we suffer because we don't realize who we are. This talk explores two pathways of awakening from the insecurity and reactivity that arises from a narrow sense of self. Listeners are invited to investigate the nature of awareness through several guided reflections. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Joy of Conscious Relationships

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-07-06 - The Joy of Conscious Relationships (from 2007-09-19) - We live in a relational field, and as we develop the capacity for presence with others, we discover the truth of our connectedness. This discovery is experienced as love, and gives rise to genuine happiness and inner freedom. This talk explores the teachings and practices that nourish conscious relationships. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Flow and Presence

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-07-06 - Flow and Presence - In the moments when we are truly happy, there is a sense of both aliveness and presence. This talk reflects on three key ways we remove ourselves from living presence; and offers guided reflections that can re-open us into the flow. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Compass of the Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-06-29 - Compass of the Heart - Are you aware of the intentions that are shaping your thoughts, moods and life experience? This talk explores how mindfulness of intention allows us to open to our deepest heart's aspiration, and have that guide the unfolding of our lives. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Presence and Empowerment

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-06-22 - Presence and Empowerment - In the moments we feel threatened, hurt or dissatisfied, we often flip into controlling mode--our body, heart and mind become contracted and we disconnect from presence. This talk explores how we can shift from controlling, to an empowering presence. When we do, our deepest wisdom and compassion begin to shape and guide our life. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Soul Recognition - Seeing Past the Mask

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-06-15 - Soul Recognition - Seeing Past the Mask - We each long to be true to ourselves--to live from the love, creativity and wisdom that is our essence. This talk explores how, by attending to three key domains, we train ourselves to see beyond ego conditioning. By deepening our attention, we can free ourselves and others to be who we truly are. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Art of Listening--Nourishing Loving Relationships

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-06-08 - The Art of Listening--Nourishing Loving Relationships - Deep listening is an essential ingredient in intimate, caring relationships. This talk reflects on the intentionality, presence and quest for understanding that create the grounds for a healing and loving listening attention. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 2: Stress and Meditation

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-06-01 - Part 2: Stress and Meditation - When we are suffering from stress, we are paying attention to our world in a narrow and rigid way. Through meditations that cultivate a wakeful and open attention, we can dramatically transform the feelings of anxiety and aloneness that underlie all stress. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 1: Stress and Meditation

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-05-25 - Part 1: Stress and Meditation - When we are suffering from stress, we are paying attention to our world in a narrow and rigid way. Through meditations that cultivate a wakeful and open attention, we can dramatically transform the feelings of anxiety and aloneness that underlie all stress. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Stepping Out of Time

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 18 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-05-18 - Stepping Out of Time - We spend much of our life on our way somewhere else, driven by the sense that something is missing or wrong. This talk explores the suffering that arises from our addiction to busyness and "doing," and the healing, loving and wisdom that arise when we take refuge in presence. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Buddha's Spiritual Awakening

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-05-11 - The Buddha's Spiritual Awakening: A Myth For Us All! - In this telling of the Buddha's story, we find archetypes that reveal a universal path of awakening and freedom. We explore how each of us has the potential to realize the loving and radiant awareness that is our source. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Remembering Love (Retreat Talk)

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-05-01 - Remembering Love (from IMCW Spring Retreat) - The habit of self-judgment not only causes emotional pain, it creates a trance that obscures the purity and vastness of our Being. This talk explores how a wakeful and forgiving heart can heal and free us. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

The Blessings of Embodied Awareness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-04-27 - The Blessings of Embodied Awareness - One expression of our suffering is homelessness--feeling cut off from the presence and aliveness that is our source. This talk explores the existential and cultural forces that foster disconnection from our physical and energetic being, the practices that enable us to embrace our unlived life and the gifts of homecoming. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 2 - Realizing True Well-being

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-04-20 - Part 2 -- Realizing True Well-being - Buddhist psychology and the Western oriented field of positive psychology agree: How we pay attention determines whether we live primarily in fear and judgment, or happiness and peace. This two part series explores the teachings, practices and attitudes that enable us to live a meaningful life with a heart that is "happy for no reason." Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Realizing True Well-being

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-04-13 - Part 1 -- Realizing True Well-being - Buddhist psychology and the Western oriented field of positive psychology agree: How we pay attention determines whether we live primarily in fear and judgment, or happiness and peace. This two part series explores the teachings, practices and attitudes that enable us to live a meaningful life with a heart that is "happy for no reason." Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 2: The Healing Power of Self-Compassion

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-03-30 - Part 2: The Healing Power of Self-Compassion - Learning to hold our own lives with a gentle compassion is a key element in all emotional healing and spiritual awakening. This two part series explores the suffering of being at war with ourselves and the pathway to freeing our hearts. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Part 1: The Healing Power of Self-Compassion

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-03-23 - Part 1: The Healing Power of Self-Compassion - Learning to hold our own lives with a gentle compassion is a key element in all emotional healing and spiritual awakening. This two part series explores the suffering of being at war with ourselves and the pathway to freeing our hearts. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Your donation makes a difference! Thank you!

Impermanence: the Gifts of Facing Reality

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:00:00 +0000

2011-03-16 - Impermanence: the Gifts of Facing Reality - Only by opening our hearts to change and loss can we live and love fully. Yet much of our life is organized around finding ground-- avoiding the insecurity of change, loss and death. This talk explores how our ways of grasping and resisting remove us from the spontaneity and aliveness, the love and wisdom, that is our human potential. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Trusting Our Secret Beauty

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-03-09 - Trusting Our Secret Beauty - When caught in emotional suffering, we sense that we are living from a reactive, contracted place, and don't trust or like ourselves. This talk explores the severed belonging that is the genesis of that doubt, and the two wings of mindful presence and love that carry us home to our natural wholeness and goodness of Being. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Healing into Life and Death

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-03-02 - Healing into Life and Death - Given the universal truth that these bodies get sick and they die, what allows us to find freedom, happiness and peace in the midst? This talk explores how, when we get caught in the suffering that arises from physical sickness, we can take refuge in presence and love. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

When We are Lost

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-02-23 - When We are Lost - It's part of our make up to get lost in the trance of thinking-- to believe our thoughts to be real and to live in the story of a separate, endangered self. It is also our capacity to recognize our trance and choose presence. This talk explores how the practice of pausing and arriving in the aliveness of our senses opens us to our natural compassion and wisdom, and enables us to experience the great mystery we are part of. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Part 2 - The Sure Heart's Release

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-02-16 - The Sure Heart's Release - Our longing is to realize and embody loving presence, yet we each have deeply conditioned habits that bind our hearts. This talk reflects on these habits, and explores how we can free ourselves by bringing a mindful, compassionate attention to places where we are most trapped in feeling separate, fearful and unworthy. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

The Sure Heart's Release

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-02-09 - The Sure Heart's Release - Our longing is to realize and embody loving presence, yet we each have deeply conditioned habits that bind our hearts. This talk reflects on these habits, and explores how we can free ourselves by bringing a mindful, compassionate attention to places where we are most trapped in feeling separate, fearful and unworthy. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Minting Gold (retreat talk)

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2010-12-31 - Minting Gold - Embodying the Awakened Heart - Our core conditioning expresses as both a longing for love and the pain of not trusting we are loveable. This talk explores how we create the experience of separation, and the key meditative heart- trainings that lead us to realizing and living from the truth of our connectedness. This talk was given at the IMCW New Year's Retreat. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Inviting Life's Difficulties to Tea

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-01-19 - Inviting Life's Difficulties to Tea - One of the most illuminating themes in the Buddha's life story was the regular appearance of Mara--god of selfishness and greed, anger and fear, doubt and shame. Each time Mara surfaced, the Buddha's response was to say "I see you Mara," and invite him to tea. This talk explores how such unconditional friendliness and wisdom can bring healing and freedom to our lives. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Evolving Consciousness--Beyond limiting Identities

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-01-12 - The flag of trance is identifying as a separate, deficient self. This talk explores how developmentally we can get fixated on fears and unmet needs and cut off from the wholeness of Being that is our true nature. We explore the power of mindfulness --seeking not to change but to understand--and the expression of that understanding as love. The talk includes guided reflections that can help us recognize and awaken from the confines of trance. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Three Gateways to Freedom

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0000

2011-01-05 - This talk invites a contemplation of three archetypal domains of spiritual awakening: Buddha-awareness, Dharma- truth (the way things are), and Sangha-loving relatedness. We explore our habit of turning toward false refuges, and the way we can find refuge in that which truely heals our hearts and frees our mind. The evening ends with a living ritual of dedicating ourselves to each of these three gateways to awakening. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Path of Transformation

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-12-29 - Awakening arises out of presence with the changing ground of our lives. This talk explores three key gateways to liberating presence: Forgiveness, inner fire (aspiration) and a deep inquiry into the nature of our own mind. This talk was given at the IMCW New Year's Retreat. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

The Grounds of Living Compassion

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2009-09-02 - A critical question on the spiritual path is how we can bring the loving presence awakened by meditation into every facet of daily life. This talk explores the conditioning that keeps us in reactive trance and the ways we can deepen our attention and align our lives with our hearts. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Seeing Beyond the Veil

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-12-15 - The source of our suffering is that we become identified with egoic roles and defenses that separate us from the truth of what we are. This talk explores some of the constricting identities that we take on, and the process of compassionate presence that reconnects us with our natural vitality, openheartedness and wisdom. We then enlarge our focus to seeing past the veil that obscures the sacred presence that shines through all beings. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Ask the Friend for Love

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-12-08 - Prayer, when cultivated consciously, energizes and guides us on the spiritual path. This talk investigates the difference between wanting, with it's narrow fixation, and the prayer that arises out of our deep heart's longing. We explore how living prayer, the prayer that arises from consciously inhabiting longing, can carry us home to loving presence. As John O'Donahue writes, prayer is the bridge between longing and belonging. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Meditation on Intention

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2010-12-08 - This guided meditation was given as a prelude to the December 8th talk on "Ask the Friend for Love." Find more of Tara's guided meditations on www.tarabrach.com. Sign up for her new email list there, too.

A Listening Meditation

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2010-11-17 - This guided meditation was given as a prelude to the November 17th talk on "A Listening Presence." Find more of Tara's guided meditations on www.tarabrach.com. Sign up for her new email list there, too.

Loving Life: Gratitude and Generosity

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2010-11-24 - Loving Life: Gratitude and Generosity - Love is innate, and blossoms as we intentionally cultivate it. This talk on two natural expressions of loving life--gratitude and generosity--includes several guided reflections that awaken the heart. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

A Listening Presence - Three Domains of Training

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2010-11-17 - A Listening Presence - Three Domains of Training - Cultivating the capacity for listening is essential to loving well and to realizing the truth of who we are. This talk focuses on three key facets of deep listening--non-distractedness, not-controlling and seeking to understand-- that can awaken an intimacy with our inner life and others. Guided meditations on listening precede and are included within the body of the talk. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Releasing Karmic Patterns

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2010-11-10 - Releasing Karmic Patterns - We all have conditioned patterns of thinking and behaving that keep us identified as a separate, deficient self. This talk investigates the roots of this conditioning and ways that pausing and awakening mindfulness can free us to live from our inherent love and wisdom. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Part 4 - Living From Presence - Introductory Series

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-11-03 - Part 4 - Living from Presence - Our human potential is to express the wings of presence--mindfulness and lovingkindness--through all facets of daiy living. This talk explores the practices that enable us to both serve and savor this precious life. Please support this podcast by donating at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Part 3 - Mindfulness of Thoughts - Introductory Series

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-10-27 - Part 3 - Mindfulness of Thoughts - The primary element in meditation is training to awaken from the trance of thoughts. This class explores two key ways that mindfulness supports this awakening. The first is using wise reflection to discern if thoughts are imprisoning us in fear or serving healing and freedom. The second is recognizing when we are in the virtual reality of thinking, and learning to "come back" to living presence. It is by inhabiting this non-conceptual presence that we have access to the love, wisdom and freedom that we cherish. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Part 2 - Mindfulness of Emotions - Introductory Series

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-10-20 - Part 2 - Mindfulness of Emotions - Our conditioning is to live in a reactive trance of either resisting or become possessed by strong emotions. This reactivity fuels a trance of being separate from others, and feeling defective and insecure. In this class we explore how to free ourselves from this suffering by bringing a mindful and kind awareness to the stories and feelings that make up our emotional life. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Part 1 - The Art and Science of Meditation - Introductory Series

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-10-13 - Part 1 - The Art and Science of Meditation - Introductory Series - The first session defines meditation and describes the Buddhist teachings that give a context to the path of practice. We explore the two basic types of meditation--concentration and mindfulness--and then focus on the ground of mindfulness training: bringing mindful attention to the breath and bodily sensations. Guided meditations include setting intention and the sacred pause; learning to "come back" using an anchor of the breath; and "being here" with an embodied presence. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

The Path of Peace

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2007-10-03 - The Path of Peace - Awakening from the Trance of Separation - We all have conditioning that can keep us at war with our inner life, and fuel violence in the world. These universal tendencies can block our natural attunement and capacity to respond with compassion to life. The practices of presence allow us to recognize this conditioning and awaken to the truth of our connectedness, to the wisdom and love that make peace possible. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Loving the Earth

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-09-29 - Loving the Earth - How is it possible that we humans have wreaked such havoc on this planet, on the web of life that we belong to? This talk explores the ways that egoic consciousness can lead to violating life, and how evolving consciousness can move us toward healing this earth. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Be All That You Are

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-09-15 - Be All That You Are - We are conditioned to live in stories that obscure the vastness, goodness and mystery of what we are. This talk explores the ways we construct a limited self-identity and the pathways to realizing and living from a fullness of our Being. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Equanimity

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-09-08 - Equanimity - Cultivating equanimity means awakening our capacity to meet the winds of life with a non-reactive, open, balanced presence. The gift of this presence is that we can see clearly what is happening within and around us, and respond with wisdom, creativity and compassion. This talk looks at our habits of reacting, and the ways we can come home to equinimity in the midst of life's challenges. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Joy

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-09-01 - Joy - Joy is an innate capacity, one of the primary expressions of an awakened heart and mind. Yet because of our conditioned patterns of thought and emotion, this capacity for openness, happiness and full aliveness can be obscured. This talk guides us in how to nurture joy through a commited presence that unfolds into "loving what is." Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Compassion - Responding to Suffering with Care

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-08-25 - Compassion - Responding to Suffering with Care - Our capacity to respond to ourselves and our world with compassion is the essence of all healing and spiritual awakening. This talk explores the trance of separation that blocks our natural compassion, and includes guided practices that enable us to directly cultivate a compassionate heart. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Metta - Lovingkindness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-08-18 - Metta - Lovingkindness - This talk explores what gets in the way of loving presence and the training that awakens and frees our hearts. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Blessings of a Forgiving Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-08-11 - The roots of peace and war are within these very hearts. In the moments that we release blame, we reconnect with the compassionate presence that heals ourselves and others as well. This talk includes a meditation that guides us in awakening our capacity to forgive. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Self-Forgiveness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-08-04 - Holding ourselves with a compassionate, forgiving heart is the gateway to healing, and to intimacy with our world. This talk explores our deep conditioning to be at war with ourselves, and the insights and elements of forgiving that can carry us home to loving presence. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Trusting Who We Are

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-07-28 - If we investigate, we will find that much suffering arises out of mistrust--of ourselves, others and life. This talk explores the genesis of the great challenges of doubt and mistrust, and the pathway to trusting the goodness that is our essence. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

Turning Towards What You Love

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-07-21 - For many of us, the most apparent junctures of spiritual transformation are spurred on by challenging life situations. This talk looks at how our conscious aspiration for awakening, and our practice of mindful presence, can help us find peace, compassion and freedom when difficulties arise. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

The True Revolution

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2007-12-19 - In Buddhism, lovingkindness is considered a divine abode, our true home. This talk explores how we can recognize the mask that covers insecurity, inhabit our essential goodness of Being, and let ourselves touch and be touched by love. This awakening into wholeheartedness is the true revolution. Please donate at www.tarabrach.com or www.imcw.org. Thank you!

The Power of Mind

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-07-07 - The Buddha taught that "Everything is based on mind, is led by mind, is fashioned by mind." This talk explores how our intention and attention can tap into the living awareness that is our source, and give rise to healing of body, heart and spirit.

Stress, Presence and Freedom

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2007-10-31 - We are designed to respond to stress with flight/fight/freeze and this can proliferate and then harden into our ongoing response to life. The practice of presence, of recognizing and relaxing with what is arising, can cut through this conditioning and gift us with the realization of our true nature and the capacity to love fully.

Gateways to Happiness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2008-02-06 While we all want to be happy, our habitual ways of pursuing happiness leave us dissatisfied. What prevents us from being happy? What is true happiness? How do we relax and open to the blessings of our life that are always and already here? Though these reflections we explore together our potential to live from a profound place of inner freedom, peace and happiness.

The Unreal Other

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-06-09 - When we experience others through a conditioned lens of wants and fears, and of unexamined beliefs, we react in ways that cause distance and sometimes obvious injury. This talk explores how we create separation from others, and the ways we can awaken from this trance and live from genuine empathy and wisdom.

Part 2 - Relating Wisely with Fear

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-06-02 - While fear is essential to survival, it can also strangle our capacity to live fully and awaken spiritually. These two talks explore how fear takes over our lives, and the ways we can train our attention to free ourselves from its grip.

Part 1 - Relating Wisely with Fear

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-05-26 - While fear is essential to survival, it can also strangle our capacity to live fully and awaken spiritually. These two talks explore how fear takes over our lives, and the ways we can train our attention to free ourselves from its grip.

Desire and Spiritual Freedom

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-05-19 - The Buddha taught that becoming identified with "wanting mind" obscures our true nature and binds us in suffering. This talk explores a wise attitude in relating to desire, and offers three pathways towards freedom: Mindfulness of "wanting mind," trancing back desire to its source, and radical non-clinging.

Relating Wisely to "Wanting Mind"

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-05-12 - While desire is intrinsic to life, it can contract into the craving that traps us in suffering. This talk explores how we seek happiness yet become habituated to false refuges--substitutes like over- consuming food, dependent relationships, approval, achieving--that can never bring happiness. Our freedom becomes possible when we forgive the ways we get hooked, and offer a deep, mindful attention to the energies of craving and clinging.

My Religion is Kindness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2008-05-28 - The expression of inner freedom is a kind heart. This talk explores how we armor our hearts, and the pathways of awakening our natural capacity for loving unconditionally. The session includes an experiential inquiry that helps reveal the ways we create separation, and the possiblity of healing and freeing our heart.

Embodied Spirit

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-04-28 - The Buddha taught that mindfulness of the body is a direct path to the realization of truth, to peace and freedom. This talk explores how we leave a present-centered awareness of our body, and the pathways of homecoming.

True Belonging - Refuge in Presence and Relatedness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-04-21 - We become homesick when our insecurity compels us to find refuge in exclusive affiliations, in over-consuming, in avoiding intimacy or grasping tightly to the approval of others. This talk explores how we come home to the truth of who we are by connecting with our moment to moment experience, and by developing the capacity to be wakeful, giving and receptive in loving relationship.

Part 2-Realizing Our Natural Joy

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2008-04-30 In the buddhist teachings, joy is a natural expression of our awakened heart. In these two talks we will explore how we block off joy, and ways that we can cultivate and embody this intrinsic facet of our being.

Part 1-Realizing Our Natural Joy

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2008-04-23 In the buddhist teachings, joy is a natural expression of our awakened heart. In these two talks we will explore how we block off joy, and ways that we can cultivate and embody this intrinsic facet of our being.

Beyond Small Self

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-04-07 - While we are conditioned to become identified with limited sense of self, we have the capacity to recognize and open to who we are beyond the self. This talk investigates our most compelling domains of getting identified, and the ways a purposeful presence can awaken us.

Meditation and Healing Trauma

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-03-31 - Spiritual awakening often involves offering a healing presence to the suffering of post traumatic stress or deep emotional wounding. This talk explores the three key elements that support this process: self-forgiveness, accessing a source of love and safety, and bringing a kind attention to the unlived life in the body.

The Blessings of Deep Listening

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-03-24 - The Blessings of Deep Listening - Our capacity to listen deeply--to our inner life and each other--is the grounds of true understanding and love. This talk explores the challenges to listening and guidelines and practices that awaken a listening heart.

Realizing Your True Nature--Four Reflections

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:30:00 +0000

2010-03-17 This talk explores a Tibetan teaching through reflection and guided meditations: Our true nature--our inherent wakefuness, openness and love--is closer than we can imagine; it is more profound than we can imagine; it is easier than we can imagine; and it is more wondrous than we can imagine.

Three Attitudes that Awaken and Free Our Spirit

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2008-07-09 Our predicament is intuiting our true nature--love, awareness--and yet regularly contracting into the self-identity conditioned by wants and fears. This talk explores three essential and liberating ways of relating to our human conditioning: forgiving that it arises, interest in what is true, and regarding experience with friendliness and kindness.

Trusting Your Basic Goodness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2010-03-03 - When we don't trust who we are, we are unable to be at home in our world. This talk explores how we come to be at war with ourselves and the pathway to realizing our basic goodness.

Living Aligned with the Heart

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2010-02-24 - We suffer when our words or actions arise from unconscious wants and fears. This talk explores how we can awaken from the habitual ways we cause harm to ourselves and others, and live from our natural intelligence and tender warmth.

Soul Retrieval

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2008-09-24 - When we become stressed and reactive, we lose contact with our natural spontaneity, wisdom and openheartedness. This talk investigates the ways we become caught in the stress-trance and the key elements in awakening: pausing and remindfulness. Using the gateway of the senses, we explore both the pathway of presence and the gifts of reconnecting with soul, spirit, essence.

Listening to Our Life

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2008-08-27 Listening in a full and open way allows us to come home to our natural state--awake, vast awareness. In an immediate way, a listening attention dissolves the tangles of fear and craving that obscure our wholeness. This class includes both a talk and guided meditations on deep listening to our inner experience and with others.

Turning Towards What you Love

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:30:00 +0000

2008-09-03 - There is a saying: The road to hell is paved with "bad" intentions. From the Buddha we learn the path to freedom arises from wise intentions. Yet because we habitually grasp after what will immediately relieve or comfort or please us, we often do not listen to our deepest intentions. We forget that in this brief life, what matters most is loving presence. This evening of talk and guided meditations invites participants to examine intentions in their relationships, and to reflect on living from a more awake connection with our heart.

Deepening Practice

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-02-03 - This talk and question/answer format addresses the attitudes and practices that cultivate our natural wisdom and compassion.

Part 2 - Presence and Aliveness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-01-27 - Part 2 - Presence and Aliveness - These two talks explore how we leave our bodies, the challenge of working with pain, the pathway home to embodied awareness, and the gifts of presence and aliveness.

Part 1 - Presence and Aliveness

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-01-20 - Part 1 - Presence and Aliveness - These two talks explore how we leave our bodies, the challenge of working with pain, the pathway home to embodied awareness, and the gifts of presence and aliveness.

Awakening to the Sacred

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-01-13 - Awakening to the Sacred - The tendency to think "life should be different" and to try to control experience removes us from the wisdom and compassion that naturally gives rise to healing and transformation. We learn to trust the power of our heart and awareness by meeting both the pain and beauty of this life with sacred presence.

Taking Refuge

info@tarabrach.com (Tara Brach) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:00 +0000

2010-01-06 - Taking Refuge - The Buddha taught of three archetypal domains in which we awaken presence and realize freedom. In contrast to our habitual false refuges, these gateways of true refuge are dependable because they express the timeless truth of what we are. This talk shines a light on false refuges, guides us in exploring the meaning of each of the three Buddhist refuges and ends in a ritual of "taking refuge."