For many of us, feelings of deficiency are right around the corner. It doesn’t take much--just hearing of someone else’s accomplishm...
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Aug 18, 2008
about recognizing, with compassion, your own weaknesses and in the end, finding room to accept them and treat them with love; in effect, healing yourself.
It's like going over to a suffering plant in a garden and tending to it with care, feeding the soil, doing away with pests, giving it compost, sunlight, water; is, metaphorically, how this book suggests we deal with our own fragile, deeply human lives -- that by encouraging our friends and families to take care of themselves the s More...
It's like going over to a suffering plant in a garden and tending to it with care, feeding the soil, doing away with pests, giving it compost, sunlight, water; is, metaphorically, how this book suggests we deal with our own fragile, deeply human lives -- that by encouraging our friends and families to take care of themselves the s More...
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Jun 26, 2008
Adrian
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Tara Brach leads a weekly meditation class in the metro D.C. area, and I've been to several of them. Her sessions inspire just as much calm and assuredness as this book does. Tara is sort of like the anti-Dr. Phil. Instead of screaming at you about what an idiot you are, Tara puts a comforting arm around you, like an old friend, and using a combination of psychological techniques and a gentle form of Theravada Buddhism, she shows us how we can stop living with doubt, regret, and fear and lead a
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Mar 31, 2008
Martha
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Kripalu Yoga is primarily a practice of compassion, and this book is it's perfect companion. The foundation of all yoga practice is acceptance, and it begins with ourselves. Feelings of deficiency are common to all of us. Being criticized, making mistakes, and experiencing relationship difficulties, all can make us feel unworthy. Our human suffering and our loneliness keep us from feeling fulfilled. Recognizing how we become trapped by these feelings is the first step in reconnecting with who we
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Jun 22, 2007
Kei
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If you have a strong spiritual practice or are wanting to delve deeper into eastern thought processes, then this is a great book for those in need of emotional support. What I liked most about this book was that is gave you actually tools and methods to help you go through your healing, whilst reading the book. There are meditations at the end of each chapter that enable you to DO THE WORK right in your own home.
The greatest lesson I received from this book was to actually FEEL... More...
The greatest lesson I received from this book was to actually FEEL... More...
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Dec 16, 2009
Robert
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Not overly impressive, but a nice and helpful book. Brach writes a treatise on how the integration of Buddhist spirituality and meditative practices (most often based in the Theravadan traditions of vipassana and metta) can partner with western psychotherapy to assist in healing and personal development.
Intellectually it is pretty lightweight, which isn’t to say that it doesn’t package and reiterate some helpful ideas in useful ways. My biggest challenge with the book was that I c More...
Intellectually it is pretty lightweight, which isn’t to say that it doesn’t package and reiterate some helpful ideas in useful ways. My biggest challenge with the book was that I c More...
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Aug 12, 2008
Joe
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I've only read the previous edition, but I am here to tell you that Brach brings a message that is welcome tonic to the soul of anyone who has ever felt inadequate or unworthy for any reason. Usually these reasons have to do with culturally defined standards and ideals that no person can ever live up to fully. Brach skillfully weaves these influences together with psychological and Christianity-based explanations of how we live our lives in the 'trance of unworthiness,' and how we can move bey
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Jan 18, 2008
Kerstin
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I read it in German, so I don't know how much difference there is to the original. However, easy read, with lots of essentially helpful aproaches to dealing with problems, hurdles, wounds...Many suggestions to guided meditations. Most important lesson for me was " to really look at things and not to look away, not to deny" but " to embrace, and to accept truth, and then to be able to let go". I felt so true for many occasions in my life, I have worked with the "look at i
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Feb 22, 2009
Lavonne
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I have tried twice to read the Power of Now, and could never quite grasp what all the fuss was about. This book, Radical Acceptance, delivered the insights that I was supposed to get from the other book. It is basically talking about the same subjects, but Tara Brach brings a humanity to her approach that is sadly missing in Power of Now.
She has been persuing a spiritual path for many years and speaks with knowledge and compasison. Yet, she admits that when she is continuously appro More...
She has been persuing a spiritual path for many years and speaks with knowledge and compasison. Yet, she admits that when she is continuously appro More...
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Dec 18, 2011
Kate
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I think the perceptions of this book are directly related to the suffering and innate self hatred that the reader possesses. When the concept of lovingkindness is absolutely foreign to you then this book can save your life.
Something I absolutely cherish about this book is kind and gentle repetition. I would read a concept and compartmentalize it as something I either had heard before, already knew, or couldn't possibly work. Then she'd reintroduce the same concept with a case study, More...
Something I absolutely cherish about this book is kind and gentle repetition. I would read a concept and compartmentalize it as something I either had heard before, already knew, or couldn't possibly work. Then she'd reintroduce the same concept with a case study, More...
Sep 05, 2010
David C.
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This is one of the best self-help books I have ever read. While approaching personal growth issues from a Western Buddhism perspective, it offers much to anyone willing to look at themselves and their life situation in an honest, calm, and compassionate way. One of the most powerful concepts in this book is that of recognizing that how you interpret what happens to you, the life story that you write for yourself, deeply affects how you feel about yourself, others, and life in general. This book
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Feb 16, 2010
Abby
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Brach's Radical Acceptance is a brilliantly distilled book on how to move away from self-hatred, doubt and shame and move towards acceptance, love and kindness. Brach shares her own experiences as well as those of past meditation and psychotherapy clients to illustrate each stage of Radical Acceptance. Each section ends with guided meditations to help the reader begin to explore their own thoughts and needs.
I loved this book! Brach's writing is clear, humorous and compassionate. Y More...
I loved this book! Brach's writing is clear, humorous and compassionate. Y More...
Feb 03, 2012
Marshall
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A practical and useful book about the practice of Buddhism. It doesn't get bogged down in theory, In fact, the fundamental theory of Buddhism--the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path--aren't even mentioned. That's a relief for me, because it's very easy for me to interpret these as aversive to the experience of living.
This book had the opposite effect on me. It focuses instead on "Radical Acceptance" which is an unfortunate term she uses for awareness and allowing of all exp More...
This book had the opposite effect on me. It focuses instead on "Radical Acceptance" which is an unfortunate term she uses for awareness and allowing of all exp More...
Jan 03, 2008
Miv
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One of my favorite books - engaging, beautifully written, uplifting. It draws from the best of Buddhism and Psychology. Interweaves teaching stories with wonderful guided meditations. Tara Brach is a gifted teacher.
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Jul 01, 2010
Vanessa
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amazing...this book brings me great relief from my constant grasping towards being good, seeing clearly that this grasping to be good was a cover for all the other graspings, each layer of feeling covered over with more craving or resistance and self-judging thoughts about not being good enough now i know it'a all good. or rather, that in acceptance of all that arises in each moment we find freedom, in embracing even the grasping, going fully into the longing and pain behind these desires and di
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Jun 27, 2008
As I read this I realized that the belief that there is something wrong with me is quite deep. I went straight to Chapter 7, Opening Our Heart In The Face Of Fear:
"We have to face the pain we have been running from. In fact, we need to learn to rest in it and let its searing power transform us." - Charlotte Joko Beck
This is not a book for someone who is not open to Eastern thought. If you allow yourself to be open to it though, it will open your mind and heart. More...
"We have to face the pain we have been running from. In fact, we need to learn to rest in it and let its searing power transform us." - Charlotte Joko Beck
This is not a book for someone who is not open to Eastern thought. If you allow yourself to be open to it though, it will open your mind and heart. More...
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Jun 27, 2011
H.A.
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I can't say enough positive about this book. I've only recently resumed serious Buddhist study, and a lot of that study time is spent learning abstract philosophical basics that are important to taking refuge in the Dharma, but may not make enough sense to the beginner to offer comfort when things are difficult. This book, while it still teaches the Dharma, gives practical use for the everyday western seeker. It came at just the right time for me, when I was dealing with some personal things tha
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Jan 29, 2010
K
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The first two chapters or so are the only ones worth reading. Since I read some FA/HAES books before this one I guess I'm on an acceptance kick. The title hooked me but this is really not very radical. It's very similar to other self-helpy Buddhism books. Then it's just more of the same and (ugh) case studies, people she counseled in therapy. I hate when people who should know better invoke Mother Teresa as a wonderful person. It's one of those things--like using "PC" in the text
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Oct 15, 2010
Kathryn
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Full marks for the gist and low marks for the execution. A little too self-helpy and over-written, yet the idea of bringing radical acceptance/compassion to ourselves and others is pretty much the only hope for emotional sanity in this world. But for content, economy, and grace, I'm finding Ezra Bayda's "Being Zen" to be a huge improvement. Let's just say Bayda's book is going on my shelves when I'm done. Brach's book is going to half.com.
Mar 25, 2009
Klgg
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The book has a lot to offer in reference to meditative practices and mindful concepts. I was continually put off, however, by the concept "Radical Acceptance". It seems almost trademarked. For me her definition of Radical Acceptance would better be described by the words mindful acceptance. Mindfulness is a huge part of this writing.
I will definitely read it again. There is alot of helpful material within the book's pages.
I will definitely read it again. There is alot of helpful material within the book's pages.
Sep 25, 2011
Lainie
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Tara Brach's voice is gentle and warm. Is she reading from her book? It's hard to tell. I listened to this audiobook in sections, while on long rambling walks in the autumn sunshine-ish forest. It felt like she was speaking softly in my ear, giving me small steps to take on a path of self-awareness and healing. A wonderful tool for anyone working on overcoming shame and guilt. Recommended
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Jul 19, 2010
Paulette
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This is yet another amazing book. Practical, real-life examples intertwined with Buddha's teachings. It has helped me immensely. I am taking my time reading it to be sure to fully digest all of the author's wisdom.
There are specific meditations that can be practiced anytime.
I attended a conference given by this author and 2 others at and Omega conference in NYC in April 2010. Excellent!
There are specific meditations that can be practiced anytime.
I attended a conference given by this author and 2 others at and Omega conference in NYC in April 2010. Excellent!
Nov 22, 2011
Sara
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The title says it all: Truly accepting yourself can be a radical undertaking, but Tara Brach shows us how to get there -- or at least how to make the journey. And yes, she is upfront about her own struggles and about the many bouts of "one step forward, two steps back" that can occur along the path of self-acceptance. My copy came with a companion CD that I misplaced years ago.
May 15, 2011
Colette
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This is a wonderful book, the most important I've read this year from a personal standpoint. It really came along at the right time. Which is to say that my therapist recommended it several times and I finally took his recommendation at the right time. Tara Brach writes with such grace and courage. She is very honest about and aware of what happens in her own mind, which is inspiring. She's also very humble. I'm coming to see more and more that as challenging as it is, embracing one's own negati
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Aug 03, 2011
Alison
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This book came to my doorstep as a surprise and with such an entrance I began it with enthusiasm. The themes are those I wrestle with and breathe into daily as a human being/mom/therapist/wanna-be Buddhist. I picked it up and set it down many times, and at times it was tedious but there are a lot of great insights in this book. Overall, I recommend it.
Feb 17, 2010
The concept of Radical Acceptance--accepting what is occurring in the moment and using mindfulness to be fully present, is a powerful tool for healing for me the last year. This book moves off the Radical Acceptancce I just described to a radical acceptance of self, which is a part of the more global understanding of it. Valuable tool.
Dec 17, 2009
Kim
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A very good book. I use many of these techniques with my clients in therapy, they are very effective. I keep thinking that, as the Western world is finding scientific evidence that meditation and mindfulness is effective for many different ailments (blood pressure, depression, stress, anxiety, and basically every symptom caused by stress) that buddhists have to be thinking "I told you so! I told you so! I told you so!"
Brach writes in an accessible way and you can pick and More...
Brach writes in an accessible way and you can pick and More...
Dec 10, 2011
Amy
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I have listened to these cd's three times now and the messages sink in more deeply with each listen. It is a wonderful pathway into using mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation practices to heal one's deepest wounds of shame, self-aversion and/or disconnectedness.
Aug 29, 2011
Zenmistress
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A second time around provided guidance I had been seeking. The book is a tad saccharin or something, but occasionnaly she illuminates an important point nicely. Worth using as a kind of guide book,and previous training in Buddhism was helpful.
Mar 04, 2011
Stacy
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This book was recommended by a friend and also mentioned in a sermon, so I thought I would give it a try. The author takes real-life situations and then ends each section with a focused meditation based on that topic. I will use this book in the future when I want to meditate around a particular emotion or issue with which I am dealing. I liked the specific nature of the meditations. So many guided meditations are too general for my tastes. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested i
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Nov 08, 2010
Phillip
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This book is an excellent guide to using meditation to deal with the emotional challenges in daily life. Many students have reported to me that this book has help them psychologically and emotionally to deal with some issue in their life.
