Tara Brach

Compassion – 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

Discover 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

This 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

In 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

This 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