Responding to difficult times

Over the years, I’ve mentioned various Buddhist resources for living this human experience, but I don’t think I’ve mentioned Tara Brach. I’ve been listening to Brach's podcasts for about ten years. She tells corny jokes, but I’ve found her very helpful.

Brach is a PhD clinical psychologist, and I’ve seen her on webinars training psychotherapists. She founded the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D.C. And she’s the author of four books: "Radical Acceptance," "True Refuge," "Radical Compassion" and "Trusting the Gold." Her website says her podcast is downloaded more than 2.5 million times each month.  

In what I think is one of her best podcasts, she explores:

— The roots of tyranny and fear: ways unprocessed fear fuels aggression, domination and the rise of authoritarianism

— The power of belonging: how remembering our interconnectedness can empower resistance against oppression

— Inner freedom as a path to outer change: ways mindfulness and heart-centered practices dismantle fear and awaken courage

— The role of the "spiritual warrior": cultivating presence, compassion, and truth to stand against inner and outer oppression

— Taking action from love, not fear: ways small, heartfelt acts contribute to collective healing and justice