Tara Brach: Embracing Compassion and Emotional Healing
So the parable goes, an elder speaking with his granddaughter says, 'In life, there are two wolves inside of us that are always at battle. One is a good wolf, which represents things like kindness, bravery, and love. And the other is a bad wolf, which represents things like greed, hatred, and fear. ' The granddaughter stops and thinks about it for a second. She looks up at her grandfather and says, 'Well, which one wins?' And the grandfather says, 'The one you feed.'
Imagine finding a way to heal emotionally through mindfulness and compassion. In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer welcomes Tara Brach, an American psychologist and renowned teacher of Buddhist meditation. Tara is the founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D.C., and she shares her deep knowledge on how Buddhist teachings can help us navigate emotional pain and cultivate a compassionate heart.
Tara dives into the parable of the two wolves, illustrating how our attention shapes our experiences. She explains that by focusing on kindness and understanding, we can transform our lives. Tara discusses the difference between feelings and thoughts, urging us to drop the storylines that often cloud our judgment and to ask ourselves, 'What am I unwilling to feel?'
Throughout the conversation, Tara emphasizes the importance of presence.
She encourages taking moments each day to appreciate what we have and to be mindful of where we place our attention. By doing so, we allow the light of awareness to shine through, helping us stay grounded in reality. Tara also touches on the power of self-compassion, especially when dealing with depression. She acknowledges the challenge of lacking energy but reassures listeners that forgiving ourselves and understanding our truth in a lived way is crucial.
Her insights on emotional healing and the practice of compassionate awareness are both inspiring and practical. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to nourish their heart and find peace amidst life's challenges. Tara's gentle wisdom offers a path to emotional healing through mindfulness and compassion, making it a must-listen for those on a journey of self-discovery.