The Unreal Other Getting stuck in traffic can be a setup for losing mindfulness. I used to get really reactive driving during Washington, DC’s notorious rush hour— especially when the person in front of me was going more slowly than I would like or the driver behind me was tailgating. So I began the practice of coming up alongside the car (if I could) and looking inside to see who was at the wheel. This was a kind of wake-up practice: when I could actually see the faces of the drivers, they’d become more real to me—fellow humans—and my annoyance would fade.... April 28, 2021By Tara Brach teachings
Being a Mirror of Goodness: An Intention for the New Year The medicine for our hurting world is love, and our loving becomes deeply healing when we see and reflect back the innate goodness of other beings. Jesuit priest and psychotherapist Anthony De Mello taught that the finest act of love you can offer is an act of seeing: “When you serve people, you help, support, comfort, alleviate pain. When you see people in their inner beauty and goodness, you transform and create.” December 29, 2020By Tara Brach meditation, teachings
IMCW Coronavirus Response: An Invitation to Come Into Presence In these times of much uncertainty and fear regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), IMCW is paying close attention to what is unfolding and bringing our full care to what will best serve our community. To all who are impacted directly by the Coronavirus, we send our metta, our prayers. Please click to see our most recent posts. March 24, 2020By Editor, Tara Brach announcement, COVID-19
The Possibility of Awakening I imagine that, like me, most of you are living with the mix of fears and sorrows that appropriately come with a global pandemic. In the face of real danger and loss, it’s crucial to honor the intelligence of these feelings, and to meet them with as much mindfulness, gentleness and compassion as you can. March 20, 2020By Tara Brach COVID-19, teachings
Celebrating Tara’s new book, Radical Compassion on Wednesday, Jan 8 -- You're Invited! Many years ago, I read a moving article by a hospice care‑ giver who had accompanied thousands of people during their final weeks. One phrase in particular has stayed with me. After countless hours listening to the thoughts of the dying, the caregiver summed up their greatest regret with these words: “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself." December 29, 2019By Tara Brach announcement, resources