Podcast
Tara Brach
Hosted by Tara Brach · EN
Tara Brach, Ph.D is an internationally known meditation teacher and author of bestselling Radical Acceptance and True Refuge. Tara shares a weekly guided meditation and talk that blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices. The podcast addresses the value of mindfulness meditation and self-compassion in relieving emotional suffering, serving spiritual awakening and bringing healing to our world.
104episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Meditation: The Space and Aliveness of Presence (22:25 min)
Today00:22:25Summary readyIn this guided meditation, we explore the healing power of embodied presence—awakening through the living intelligence of the body and relaxing into the spacious awareness that is always here. Together, we gently soften habitual tension, reconnect with the aliveness flowing through the heart and body, and rediscover the stillness that holds all experience with tenderness and care. Through mindful attention to sensation, breath, and sound, this meditation invites you to step out of the trance of thinking and return to the fullness of the present moment. As awareness opens, we begin to sense the deep peace, compassion, and belonging that emerge when we say "yes" to life just as it is. This meditation is a supportive practice for: Stress relief and nervous system regulation Cultivating mindfulness and present-moment awareness Relaxing anxiety and overthinking Deepening self-compassion and inner peace Reconnecting with the body and awake heart Spiritual awakening and resting in true nature Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
SummaryPresent Heart: The Universal Expressions of Love, Part 3 – Joy
1w ago00:53:23Summary readyJoy blossoms in the moments our hearts open boundlessly to reality, to the 10,000 joys and sorrows. This series reflects on four primary expressions of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In each talk we explore the habitual patterning that blocks our full realization of these innate capacities, and the understandings and practices that nurture their unfolding. In this talk, Tara explores: • How the "if-only" mind keeps us leaning forward, chasing happiness in the future, rather than discovering the aliveness and freedom available right here, right now • How the trance of "something is wrong" contracts our hearts, and the deep, compassionate presence that can free us to love life just as it is. • The power of mindful presence—how pausing, softening, and truly receiving this moment allows joy to naturally arise. • How gladdening the mind—through gratitude, love, and wonder—can shift our set point for happiness and awaken a deep trust in the unfolding of life. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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Meditation: The Heartspace Where All is Welcome (19:02 min.)
1w ago00:19:02Summary readyThis meditation scans through the body, and awakens attention to the open, inclusive awareness that all life arises in. We then explore experiencing that openness in the region of the heart, saying yes to life and including whatever is here with unconditional presence. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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Meditation: Awareness is Our Home (22:07 min.)
2w ago00:22:07Summary readyThis guided meditation invites you into the living presence that is always here—an awake awareness that can hold the changing waves of sensation, emotion, and thought with tenderness and ease. As we soften into the moment, we discover a natural peace and loving awareness that is not separate from life, but intimately connected with all beings. Whether you are new to meditation or deepening an established mindfulness practice, this reflection can support healing, emotional balance, inner peace, and spiritual awakening. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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Present Heart: The Universal Expressions of Love, Part 2: Compassion
2w ago00:54:34Summary readyCompassion – the tender resonance of heart – awakens as we allow ourselves to be touched by our shared vulnerability. This series reflects on four primary expressions of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In each talk we explore the habitual patterning that blocks our full realization of these innate capacities, and the understandings and practices that nurture their unfolding. In this talk, Tara explores ✨the all-inclusive nature of compassion in awakening our hearts and embracing all beings with care and presence. ✨ how evolutionary conditioning limits compassion, yet reveals our brain's natural wiring for empathy and connection. ✨ the common blocks to compassion, like fear, stress, and busyness, which pull us into a trance of disconnection. ✨ the essential role of self-compassion and kindness toward ourselves in deepening our ability to care for others. ✨ how to make compassion a lasting trait, by fully feeling and savoring moments of care so they shape who we are. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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Present Heart: The Universal Expressions of Love, Part 1 - Lovingkindness
3w ago00:59:46Summary readyDiscover the essence of lovingkindness in this first talk of Tara's series, "Present Heart: The Universal Expressions of Love." This series delves into four primary qualities of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. In Part 1, Tara explores the nature of lovingkindness — how it can be blocked by our habitual patterns, and how we can nurture and fully realize this innate capacity through mindful practices and understanding. What You'll Learn: ▪️Understanding the nature of lovingkindness and its role in spiritual growth ▪️Recognizing the habitual patterns that block the expression of love ▪️Learning practical techniques to cultivate and deepen lovingkindness ▪️Insights on how lovingkindness can transform your relationship with yourself and others Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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Meditation: Living Presence (21:35 min.)
3w ago00:21:35Summary readyThis meditation guides us to awaken to our senses through scanning through the body and then listening to sounds. When distracted by thoughts we relax open again and again, learning to rest in the formless awareness that includes sounds, sensations and all passing experience. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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Flourishing in an Unraveling World: A Conversation with Tara Brach and Richard Davidson
4w ago01:07:32Summary readyIn the midst of a world that often feels like it's coming apart, what does it mean to truly flourish? Drawing on his new book Born to Flourish, Richard Davidson joins Tara Brach to explore the science and practice of well-being—how awareness, connection, insight, and purpose can be cultivated, and how flourishing may extend beyond the individual into a more compassionate, connected world. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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Meditation: Touching Peace (23:12 min.)
4w ago00:23:12Summary readyThis guided meditation offers a pathway to quieting our mind and calming anxiety. We begin with long deep breathing, and with the breath, engage the image of a smile and relax through the body. Then we practice resting in relaxed awareness, allowing waves of thoughts, feelings and sensations to come and go. The meditation ends with a beautiful verse from poet Philip Booth. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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The Honesty Challenge - Getting More Truthful with Ourselves and Our World
Apr 2300:53:58Summary readyMost of us value honesty yet are not aware of how regularly we avoid facing what's difficult inside us, and how we are less than truthful with others. This talk explores the practice of radical self-honesty as the grounds of being more honest with others, and bringing more love and freedom to our lives. Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music
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