Tara Talks: When an Attempt at Reconnection Goes Astray (6:13 min.)
Deep reconciliation requires radically opening – inwardly to ourselves, then outwardly to the other – and saying, “OK… What’s it like to be you in this right now? I’m listening.” Listen to and watch the full talk: Listening to the Song – Part...
Power of Prayer: From Longing to Belonging
When we bring a full presence to prayer, it becomes a powerful pathway of homecoming. This talk explores how prayer heals the pain of separation, and offers practical guidance in what poet John O’Donohue calls “unearthing our ancient belonging.” “What’s it...
Accessing Innate Wisdom
Wisdom is an innate capacity, but often covered over by trance. This talk explores how we abandon ourselves as we busily seek ways to feel more worthy, lovable and safe. We then look at the pathway home, the radical non-doing and space of silence that allows wisdom...
Anger: Responding, Not Reacting
Anger is natural, intelligent and necessary for surviving and flourishing. Yet when we are hooked by anger, it causes great personal and collective suffering. This talk explores how to transform patterns of reactivity by bringing a mindful and compassionate attention...
River of Change – Part 2 – Bringing a Wise Heart to this Impermanent Life
These two talks look at how we relate to change – especially the notable changes involving loss of relationships and our own body and mind. We examine our strategies for avoiding uncertainty and fear; the consequences of resisting reality; our refuges of...
Tara Talks: Not Enough Time (3:27 min.)
The more stressed we are, the more likely it is that we’ll mistake the needs of someone we care about for “an interruption.” Listen to and watch the full talk: Listening to the Song – Part 2
River of Change – Part 1: Bringing a Wise Heart to this Impermanent Life
These two talks look at how we relate to change – especially the notable changes involving loss of relationships and our own body and mind. We examine our strategies for avoiding uncertainty and fear; the consequences of resisting reality; our refuges of...
From Dragons to Schmoos – Meeting Life with Compassionate Presence
The trance of unworthiness is sustained by our aversion to the dragons – the difficult emotions and related behaviors that are a deeply conditioned part of the human experience. In this talk we explore the awakening that is possible as we recognize our reactive...
Trusting Your Basic Goodness: Part 2
This talk continues the exploration of what causes our distrust of ourselves, others and life, and the pathways to realizing and trusting who we are. We explore the steps of awakening from limiting beliefs, dissolving the resistance to direct embodied presence, and...
Basic Trust – Part 1
One of the expressions of an awakened heart-mind is a basic trust in reality. These talks explore the severed belonging that gives rise to mistrust, and two primary pathways to realizing and trusting the indivisible field of loving awareness that is our source (a...
True Resilience – Part 2: Awakening through All Circumstances
Spiritual resilience enables us to deepen compassion and wisdom as we navigate life’s difficulties. In this two part series, we will look at the conditions that incline us towards or away from True Resilience, and explore practical and powerful practices that nourish...
Darkness of the Womb: Four Key Steps in Transforming Suffering
Darkness of the Womb: Four Key Steps in Transforming Suffering – CC ~ We can either repeat old fear based patterns, or our suffering can awaken us to a deeper wisdom and greater love. This talk explores four principles in relating to difficulty that move us towards...
True Resilience – Part 1: Awakening through All Circumstances
Spiritual resilience enables us to deepen compassion and wisdom as we navigate life’s difficulties. In this two part series, we will look at the conditions that incline us towards or away from True Resilience, and explore practical and powerful practices that nourish...