Equanimity unfolds as we find a wise balance and spaciousness in the midst of this living, dying world.

This series reflects on four primary expressions of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In each talk we explore the habitual patterning that blocks our full realization of these innate capacities, and the understandings and practices that nurture their unfolding.

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In this talk, Tara explores how equanimity—the spacious, awake presence that can hold life just as it is—is an essential foundation for love, compassion, and joy to fully flourish.

Drawing from Buddhist teachings on the Brahmaviharas, we reflect on how equanimity is not indifference or passivity, but a courageous openness that allows us to stay present with pain without hardening into blame or fear. Through stories, poetry, guided reflection, and practical meditation instruction, she invites us to discover the freedom of becoming "the ocean" that can hold all the changing waves of experience with compassion and care.

In this talk, you'll discover:

• How equanimity creates the inner balance that allows love, compassion, and joy to mature and deepen
• The difference between true equanimity and emotional withdrawal or indifference
• How mindfulness and kindness help us move from reactivity into wise, compassionate presence
• The practice of "being the ocean, not the waves" when facing fear, conflict, or uncertainty
• How equanimity supports healing, courageous action, and a heart that is "ready for anything"
• A guided meditation for working with difficult emotions and relationships with awareness and compassion

This talk is especially supportive for anyone seeking emotional balance, mindfulness, self-compassion, spiritual awakening, healing relationships, and finding peace in uncertain times.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

In this guided meditation, we explore the healing power of embodied presence—awakening through the living intelligence of the body and relaxing into the spacious awareness that is always here. Together, we gently soften habitual tension, reconnect with the aliveness flowing through the heart and body, and rediscover the stillness that holds all experience with tenderness and care.

Through mindful attention to sensation, breath, and sound, this meditation invites you to step out of the trance of thinking and return to the fullness of the present moment. As awareness opens, we begin to sense the deep peace, compassion, and belonging that emerge when we say "yes" to life just as it is.

This meditation is a supportive practice for:

• Stress relief and nervous system regulation
• Cultivating mindfulness and present-moment awareness
• Relaxing anxiety and overthinking
• Deepening self-compassion and inner peace
• Reconnecting with the body and awake heart
• Spiritual awakening and resting in true nature

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

Joy blossoms in the moments our hearts open boundlessly to reality, to the 10,000 joys and sorrows.

This series reflects on four primary expressions of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In each talk we explore the habitual patterning that blocks our full realization of these innate capacities, and the understandings and practices that nurture their unfolding.

In this talk, Tara explores:

• How the "if-only" mind keeps us leaning forward, chasing happiness in the future, rather than discovering the aliveness and freedom available right here, right now • How the trance of "something is wrong" contracts our hearts, and the deep, compassionate presence that can free us to love life just as it is. • The power of mindful presence—how pausing, softening, and truly receiving this moment allows joy to naturally arise. • How gladdening the mind—through gratitude, love, and wonder—can shift our set point for happiness and awaken a deep trust in the unfolding of life.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

This meditation scans through the body, and awakens attention to the open, inclusive awareness that all life arises in. We then explore experiencing that openness in the region of the heart, saying yes to life and including whatever is here with unconditional presence.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

This guided meditation invites you into the living presence that is always here—an awake awareness that can hold the changing waves of sensation, emotion, and thought with tenderness and ease. As we soften into the moment, we discover a natural peace and loving awareness that is not separate from life, but intimately connected with all beings.

Whether you are new to meditation or deepening an established mindfulness practice, this reflection can support healing, emotional balance, inner peace, and spiritual awakening.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

Compassion – the tender resonance of heart – awakens as we allow ourselves to be touched by our shared vulnerability.

This series reflects on four primary expressions of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In each talk we explore the habitual patterning that blocks our full realization of these innate capacities, and the understandings and practices that nurture their unfolding.

In this talk, Tara explores

✨the all-inclusive nature of compassion in awakening our hearts and embracing all beings with care and presence. ✨ how evolutionary conditioning limits compassion, yet reveals our brain's natural wiring for empathy and connection. ✨ the common blocks to compassion, like fear, stress, and busyness, which pull us into a trance of disconnection. ✨ the essential role of self-compassion and kindness toward ourselves in deepening our ability to care for others. ✨ how to make compassion a lasting trait, by fully feeling and savoring moments of care so they shape who we are.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

Discover the essence of lovingkindness in this first talk of Tara's series, "Present Heart: The Universal Expressions of Love." This series delves into four primary qualities of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. In Part 1, Tara explores the nature of lovingkindness — how it can be blocked by our habitual patterns, and how we can nurture and fully realize this innate capacity through mindful practices and understanding.

What You'll Learn: ▪️Understanding the nature of lovingkindness and its role in spiritual growth ▪️Recognizing the habitual patterns that block the expression of love ▪️Learning practical techniques to cultivate and deepen lovingkindness ▪️Insights on how lovingkindness can transform your relationship with yourself and others

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

This meditation guides us to awaken to our senses through scanning through the body and then listening to sounds. When distracted by thoughts we relax open again and again, learning to rest in the formless awareness that includes sounds, sensations and all passing experience.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

In the midst of a world that often feels like it's coming apart, what does it mean to truly flourish? Drawing on his new book Born to Flourish, Richard Davidson joins Tara Brach to explore the science and practice of well-being—how awareness, connection, insight, and purpose can be cultivated, and how flourishing may extend beyond the individual into a more compassionate, connected world.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

This guided meditation offers a pathway to quieting our mind and calming anxiety. We begin with long deep breathing, and with the breath, engage the image of a smile and relax through the body. Then we practice resting in relaxed awareness, allowing waves of thoughts, feelings and sensations to come and go. The meditation ends with a beautiful verse from poet Philip Booth.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

Most of us value honesty yet are not aware of how regularly we avoid facing what's difficult inside us, and how we are less than truthful with others. This talk explores the practice of radical self-honesty as the grounds of being more honest with others, and bringing more love and freedom to our lives.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music