Quotes from Tara Brach

acceptance and presence

while resistance keeps us stuck by hardening our heart and contracting our body and mind, saying, 'i forgive this,' or, 'forgiven,' creates a warmth and softness that allow emotions to unfold and change.

it was true that i wanted to be in a romantic relationship with someone 'out there.' it was even more deeply true that the communion i longed for was available in that very moment. if i remained awake to this communion, desires might energize and guide my attention, but they wouldn't blind me to the fullness and beauty that are already here.

some days i need to forgive myself over and over — twenty times, thirty times. i usually don't need a formal meditation to do so; i simply recognize that i'm judging or disliking myself and bring compassion to the pain i'm feeling. i consciously hold the intention to let go of blame and try to be more kind to myself.

When you know you're the ocean, you're not afraid of the waves.

true freedom is being "without anxiety about imperfection.

in exposing vulnerability we are always taking a chance and sometimes might get hurt ... the greater hurt, the real suffering, is in staying armored and isolated.

In the Buddhist tradition, one who has realized the fullness of compassion and lives from compassion is called a bodhisattva.

it is our mistaken perception of who we are that's causing the difficulty.

May this too be held in lovingkindness.

Aversion arises because we are so deeply conditioned to feel separate and different from others.

For so many of us, feelings of deficiency are right around the corner. It doesn't take much—just hearing of someone else's accomplishments, being criticized, getting into an argument, making a mistake at work—to make us feel that we are not okay.

When we relax about imperfection, we no longer lose our life moments in the pursuit of being different and in the fear of what is wrong.

Radical Acceptance is the art of engaging fully in this world — wholeheartedly caring about the preciousness of life — while also resting in the formless awareness that allows this life to arise and pass away.

When she felt strong cravings she now phoned her sponsor instead of directly heading for the refrigerator. This is what I would call an "assisted pause"—together they could look at what she was feeling and explore some options on how to respond.

What is happening?" We might also ask, "What wants my attention right now?" or, "What is asking for acceptance?

Fear is the anticipation of future pain. The

But even when habits of blaming or defensiveness arise, something profound can change if those involved bring a committed presence to what is happening. This is when community becomes a refuge—a place of true awakening.

May I love and accept myself just as I am.

Zen master Seng-tsan taught that true freedom is being "without anxiety about imperfection.

If our hearts are ready for anything, we will spontaneously reach out when others are hurting. Living in an ethical way can attune us to the pain and needs of others, but when our hearts are open and awake, we care instinctively.

My first book, 'Radical Acceptance', grew out of the suffering of feeling personally deficient and unworthy. Because most of us are so quick to turn against ourselves, the teachings and practices of radical acceptance continue as a strong current in 'True Refuge': nurturing a forgiving, understanding heart is a basic step on the path.

We want to be in open, loving communion with each other and our greatest fear is intimacy. That it won't work and we'll be rejected.

When I was first introduced to Buddhism in a high school World Studies class, I dismissed it out of hand. This was during the hedonistic days of the late '60s, and this spiritual path seemed so grim with its concern about attachment and, apparently, anti-pleasure.