logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
56m 58s

Realizing True Well-Being, Part 2

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: 

  • how cultivating a grateful, devoted heart opens us to presence, peace, and joy beyond circumstance.
  • the "infinite field of possibility"—our capacity to incline the mind toward hope, love, and inner freedom.
  • how mindfulness and compassionate action form a virtuous cycle that nurtures deep well-being and belonging.
  • ways that serving others and savoring beauty reconnect us with the sacredness of life and the fullness of who we are.
  • awakening from the trance of unworthiness through practices like metta, gratitude, and receiving love with an open heart.

 

Up next
Aug 20
Listening to the Song: The Transformative Power of Deep Listening - Part 2
What becomes possible when we truly listen—to ourselves, to one another and to the life around us? In part 2 of this two-part series, we'll continue to explore listening as a profound spiritual practice and a pathway to intimacy, compassion and healing. When we feel genuinely hea ... Show More
56m 42s
Aug 19
Meditation: Embodying Acceptance and Care (16:05 min.)
In this guided meditation, we cultivate an embodied sense of acceptance, kindness and care—learning to meet each moment with a friendly, allowing presence. Beginning with the breath and a relaxed, awake awareness, we explore the felt sense of an inner smile, allowing its warmth t ... Show More
16m 5s
Aug 13
Listening to the Song: The Transformative Power of Deep Listening, Part 1
What becomes possible when we truly listen—to ourselves, to one another and to the life around us? In part 1 of this two-part series, we'll explore listening as a profound spiritual practice and a pathway to intimacy, compassion and healing. When we feel genuinely heard, our defe ... Show More
56m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2021
Happiness Affirmation, Day 2 Art of Happiness Series
"Happiness is reached by keeping peace with others and one's self." -- His Holiness the Dalia Lama Have you found yourself caught up in all the crises and uncertainty of these days? It's high time for some genuine happiness! In this week's series, you'll focus on visualizing the ... Show More
9m 55s
Feb 2016
5 - Death, Karma, and Mindful Living
This episode explores the topics of Death, Karma, and Mindfulness. The ultimate aim of Buddhist studies is to obtain freedom, and freedom is the only requirement for happiness. There are 11 key things you can do to live more mindfully. Everything you need in order to be happy can ... Show More
45m 8s
Jun 2019
Creating a more mindful life
We all want to be healthier and happier but how can we actually make it happen? Today we’re looking at simple, practical day-to-day practices to help create that internal transformation, focusing on yoga and meditation. From their ancient roots and philosophies to the idea of non ... Show More
48m 30s
May 2025
204 - Beyond Happiness
What is the difference between happiness and joy, and how can we experience greater contentment, even when life doesn’t go as planned? In this episode, I explore the Buddhist perspectives and modern insights that reveal happiness as a fleeting emotional state, while joy represent ... Show More
36m 59s
Jul 2016
Ep. 97 – Being Free Together
Ram Dass talks about disturbing emotions that may arise is potential wisdom the moment you relax into your natural mind. Look directly into it, don’t deliberately reject it, regard it as a fault, or indulge in it concretely or, regard it as a virtue. Ram Dass talks about experien ... Show More
48m 47s
Nov 2023
live happy
<p>in this episode of the revival podcast, hosts david butler and stephan taeger discuss the concept of happiness, questioning whether people today are happier than those in the past. they explore the impact of technology on happiness, the importance of living in the present, and ... Show More
23m 11s
Sep 2024
Balance Awareness and Compassion in Your Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness can take many forms depending on where and how it’s learned. In this episode, we explore the distinction between Western mindfulness, which focuses on cultivating awareness, and Eastern mindfulness, which emphasizes compassion. By integrating both approaches, you can ... Show More
3m 42s
Mar 2021
Becoming More Self-Aware, Day 7 Managing Crisis Fatigue
"Happiness is reached by keeping peace with others and one's self." -- His Holiness the Dalia Lama Have you found yourself caught up in all the crises and uncertainty of these days? It's high time for some genuine happiness! In this week's series, you'll focus on visualizing the ... Show More
10m 54s