logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
55m 17s

Realizing True Well-Being, Part 1

TARA BRACH
About this episode

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.”

 

In this talk, Tara explores:

  • the essential role of happiness in times of crisis—how choosing joy becomes a radical act of resilience and healing.
  • the trance of negativity and how mindfulness helps awaken our innate capacity for presence, gratitude, and inner freedom.
  • how positive psychology and Buddhist teachings together point us toward “happiness for no reason”—a deep sense of belonging and well-being.
  • the power of intention—how consciously choosing to flourish shifts us from survival mode into love, connection, and aliveness.
  • daily practices like gratitude and loving-kindness as pathways to true well-being and a heart ready for anything.
Up next
Aug 21
From Head to Heart
If we are suffering, we are believing an interpretation of reality that is limiting and untrue. At these times we are imprisoned in a painful looping of fear-driven thoughts and feelings. This talk explores the ways our practices of mindfulness, compassion and loving presence can ... Show More
1h 1m
Aug 21
Meditation: Opening to the Mystery (17:34 min)
"It only takes a reminder to breathe, a moment to be still, and just like that, something in me settles, softens, makes space for imperfection. The harsh voice of judgment drops to a whisper and I remember again that life isn’t a relay race; that we will all cross the finish line ... Show More
17m 34s
Aug 14
Embodied Presence - Portal to the Sacred, Part 2
This two part series explores how we regularly leave our body and skim life’s surface in a mental trance, and the ways we can train our attention to come home again. We look at working with physical and emotional pain, and the gifts of love, wisdom, creativity and aliveness that ... Show More
54m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
Boost Love and Appreciation ~ Gratitude Meditation
One of the most profound impacts of a regular meditation practice is its capacity to enhance feelings of love, appreciation, and gratitude. These emotions not only enrich our personal lives but also positively influence our relationships and interactions with others. Meditation f ... Show More
11m 43s
Aug 2024
Gentle Self-Care Meditation for Inner Kindness and Compassion
Self-care is the practice of taking deliberate actions to care for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. While it’s often associated with activities like exercise, healthy eating, and leisure, self-care extends beyond the physical. It involves nurturing our minds and he ... Show More
11m 42s
Feb 2025
Increase Gratitude and Appreciation for Life (Positive Mindful Meditation)
We often overlook the simple joys and blessings that surround us. However, cultivating gratitude can transform our mindset, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being. One of the most effective ways to develop gratitude is through positive mindful meditation. This practic ... Show More
12m 49s
Oct 2024
Positive Mind Positive Life ~ Embracing Gratitude through Meditation
Positivity and gratitude have a profound impact on both our emotional and physical well-being. When combined in a meditation practice, these habits create a ripple effect of benefits that improve not only how we feel in the moment but also how we navigate challenges, manage stres ... Show More
12m 12s
Jul 2024
How to Bring Curiosity and Mindfulness Into Everyday Life with Noah Rasheta
In this episode, Noah Rasheta explores how to bring curiosity and mindfulness Into everyday life. He discusses secular Buddhism and how to integrate some of these ancient practices into your life. Discover how to infuse your day with increased awareness and presence for a fresh p ... Show More
58m 7s
Mar 2025
Fast Track Optimism and Positivity (How to Have a Good Day)
By practicing meditation regularly, we can rewire our brains to focus on gratitude, joy, and resilience, helping us to navigate daily challenges with greater ease. Here’s how meditation can help you start and sustain a good day with increased optimism and positivity. 1. Reducing ... Show More
12m 27s
Oct 2024
Mindful Meditation to Cultivate Love and Compassion for Yourself and Others
One of the primary reasons guided meditation is so effective is because it gently directs your mind, providing structure and support, especially when you're new to the practice. Rather than worrying about how to meditate or whether you're "doing it right," our guide’s voice leads ... Show More
11m 27s
Aug 2024
252: Freeing Your Mind for True Healing & Recognizing Your Power to Change
What if the stories you've been telling yourself are the very things holding back your healing? In this episode, Brandy Gillmore works with a volunteer who has spent most of her life immersed in spirituality and self-awareness. Despite her deep insights and years of inner work, s ... Show More
52m 12s
May 5
How to Enjoy Life (Meditation for Gratitude, Acceptance and Appreciation)
Hidden behind stress, anxiety and the business of life, joy and happiness often feel out of reach. But joy isn't something we need to chase. It's something we can remember, something we can return to, through the simple, intentional act of stillness. Meditation helps us do exactl ... Show More
11m 52s
Dec 2023
#291 - Heal The Hurting Parts of Your Life More Rapidly
In this episode, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy talks about how embarking on a personal development journey can often feel like an endless pursuit of betterment, with each new year bringing its own set of resolutions and goals aimed at fixing what we perceive as broken within ourselves. Bu ... Show More
22m 1s