Overview
It can be really scary to be alone with ourselves and our thoughts. The stories that keep us suffering can sometimes get louder than ever when we aren’t embracing distraction, and we usually try to push them away.
But what can help break this pattern is to stop being at war with the moment, just letting our feelings be without buying into the beliefs that come with them.
This is one part of the process of radical acceptance, a topic I was excited to dive into today with the one and only Tara Brach.
Our conversation is a look at what it means to dig through the darkness to discover the light. Tara shares her own story of realizing she was in a trance of unworthiness, learning what it felt like to get her mind and body in the same place at the same time, and awakening to the possibility of a new story for herself.
We talk about fear and self-doubt and how this impacts our connections with ourselves and others. Tara’s work is an invitation for a different way of thinking, to accept our feelings in the moment, let go of negative narratives, and think about what is holding us back from joy, love, and happiness.
It takes some work to change years of conditioned thoughts and emotional and behavioral patterns. Tara and I talk about her RAIN technique for working through challenging times with love and inquiry. It stands for recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture, and she breaks down each step in more detail throughout this episode.
I’m currently in the active process of re-examining how I think about myself, what I want with my career, relationships, community, and where I want to be in the world. This episode felt very meaningful for me; I hope you feel the same.
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