logo
episode-header-image
Jul 24
58m 8s

Listening to the Song – Part 1

TARA BRACH
About this episode

Listening is more than a communications skill, it is a capacity that awakens our awareness. And given our current times, this capacity is essential if we are to navigate the great divides that separate us from our inner life and others. As we learn to listen inwardly, we begin to understand and care for the fears and vulnerability that ask for our attention.   And as we listen to others, that same intimacy emerges. In this two-part series we examine the blocks to listening and the practices that cultivate this essential domain of human potential. Our focus is both on the transformational power of listening in our personal lives, and also the necessity for deep listening if we are to bring healing to our wider society. 

 

In this talk, Tara explores:

  •              how listening softens distance between hearts and invites deeper connection.
  •              “listening to the song” as a way to honor the essence beyond our roles and stories.
  •               common obstacles to presence—distraction, fear, and agendas that block true listening.
  •              how deep listening can help heal old wounds, allowing love and aliveness to flow more freely.
  •             listening with an undefended heart, willing to be changed by what we hear.

 

Up next
Yesterday
Embodied Presence - Portal to the Sacred, Part 1
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
51m 48s
Yesterday
Meditation: Being Here (20:53 min.)
We miss many moments of this precious life drifting in a virtual thought world. This meditation helps us collect and calm ourselves with the breath; relax through our bodies; and then include the changing dance of sounds, sensations and feeling in open awareness. Our practice is ... Show More
20m 53s
Jul 31
Listening to the Song – Part 2
Listening is more than a communications skill, it is a capacity that awakens our awareness. And given our current times, this capacity is essential if we are to navigate the great divides that separate us from our inner life and others. As we learn to listen inwardly, we begin to ... Show More
57m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
On Singing to the Beloved in Times of Crisis
We live in times of individual, sociocultural and planetary crisis, exacerbated by rising divisions between people. How have humans historically navigated such times of crisis? Yes, we've organized, taken action, and responded as we've been called to respond. But we hav ... Show More
2h 7m
Jan 2025
The Power of Silence: Wisdom on Stillness and Solitude with Pico Iyer
Are you ready to create lasting change through small, intentional steps? The Wise Habits program combines behavioral science with timeless wisdom to help you build habits that bring clarity, calm, and resilience to your daily life. Over 6 transformative weeks, you’ll learn practi ... Show More
57m 48s
Jul 28
208 - Right Speech
In this episode, we continue our journey through the Eightfold Path by exploring Right Speech. More than just speaking truthfully or avoiding gossip, Right Speech is a mindfulness practice—an invitation to reflect on how, why, and when we communicate. We look at the four types of ... Show More
23m 27s
Jan 2025
Healing Painful Patterns and Finding Freedom with Radhule Weininger
In this episode, Radhule Weininge discusses healing painful patterns and finding freedom. She delves into the intertwining of psychology and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and the role of mystery in the healing process. Dr. Weininger’s insights offer ... Show More
55m 41s
Jul 2024
A 12-Minute Meditation for Being with the Ever-Changing World with Men Talking Mindfulness
This week, Men Talking Mindfulness co-host Will Schneider begins by guiding listeners to connect with our breath. Gradually, we release distractions and rest attention on breathing in and out, so we can bring our minds fully into the present moment. With this preparation, we shif ... Show More
20m 26s
Oct 2021
65. This Week I Had Surgery and This Is Why I Am Grateful
As Monica prepares to go into surgery, a thoughtful messenger profoundly shifts her perspective, alleviating her anxieties in a single moment. Sometimes the words we need to hear can come from the most unexpected places. Messages from the universe are all around us, if only we ar ... Show More
46m 14s
May 2023
Listeners’ Questions: Responding from the Heart (Episode #51)
Welcome to episode 51 of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives ... Show More
1h 22m
Jul 17
#201 - The Power of Truth & Healing: Relationships, Awakening & Alignment with The Raise Podcast
➡️ JOIN Our Virtual 1-Day Event, Heal Your Hidden Wounds: https://cutt.ly/grhauKnz If you’re ready for more—more clarity, abundance and alignment— HEAL is your next step. Whether you want to experience deep healing that goes beyond surface-level change or finally address the root ... Show More
1h 8m