Radical acceptance : embracing your life with the heart of a Buddha

by Tara Brach

Hardcover, 2003

Status

Available

Genres

Religion & Spirituality

Collection

Eugene & Marilyn Webb Collection

Publication

New York : Bantam Books, c2003.

Description

"Believing that something is wrong with us is a deep and tenacious suffering," says Tara Brach at the start of this illuminating book. This suffering emerges in crippling self-judgments and conflicts in our relationships, in addictions and perfectionism, in loneliness and overwork; all the forces that keep our lives constricted and unfulfilled. "Radical Acceptance" offers a path to freedom, including the day-to-day practical guidance developed over Dr. Brach's twenty years of work with therapy clients and Buddhist students.Writing with great warmth and clarity, Tara Brach brings her teachings alive through personal stories and case histories, fresh interpretations of Buddhist tales, and guided meditations. Step by step, she leads us to trust our innate goodness, showing how we can develop the balance of clear-sightedness and compassion that is the essence of "Radical Acceptance". "Radical Acceptance" does not mean self-indulgence or passivity. Instead it empowers genuine change: healing fear and shame and helping to build loving, authentic relationships. When we stop being at war with ourselves, we are free to live fully every precious moment of our lives.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member vennjr

One of the best books ever! This work embraces the heart more than any other book. The author's training in psychology allows her to cut through the religious/spiritual aspects and address the issues in the most direct manner. While the concept of the book is not new, the presentation is

straightforward, elegant and clear. In short, it is a must read for anyone and everyone.

Show Less

9 more

LibraryThing member BillPilgrim

Excellent book for addressing the way that you handle your fears, desires, and all other emotional responses. All from a Buddhist perspective. Contains suggested meditation exercises at the end of each chapter. I have not tried all of those yet. I have come across many of them in other readings

before. But, this book puts it all together in a way that is easy to read, understand and apply.

Show Less

LibraryThing member melmore

Useful, moving reflections on the intersection between Buddhism and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on accepting oneself as one is, rather than indulging in the "trance of shame". Brach writes warmly and compassionately of her own inner struggles and those of her clients.

LibraryThing member biunicorn

Radical Acceptance
Awakening the Love That Heals Fear
and Shame WIthin Us
by Tara Brach

This 333 page how-to is a real must for those struggling with fear and shame. I have totally enjoyed the wonderful awareness that has stayed with me since reading this book. I was kinda nervous at first to even look

deeply at this subject, and I just knew that if there was any judgement I was gonna die, but to my pleasant surprise there was love, compassion and many helpful meditations and suggestions that helped me to pinpoint and understand my discomfort and transcend it.

I also enjoyed the stories and quotes throughout this spirit based book that targeted the other reason I was scared to look at this pain inside me. I was scared that I was the only one, that no one had ever gone through this stuff, and I was so grateful for the honesty and straightforward examples that I could relate with and realize I wasn't alone, my relief was instant. I would recommend this precious book to anyone who is struggling with shame and fear and who wants to move on to a happier and brighter tomorrow. Thanks Tara, I sorely needed this.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann

Show Less

LibraryThing member rchld

Anyone interested in living a more positive life? This book is for you, whether or not you are a Buddhist. It encourages you to treat yourself and others with acceptance (obvious from the title, I guess), forgiveness, and kindness.

LibraryThing member KendraRenee

this book changed my life, and all but converted me to buddhism (even though I still know only a little about it). Read this if you've always had a hard time knowing and/or accepting yourself.

LibraryThing member CarolynSchroeder

For a (previously) very staunchly "anti self-help-book person," I believe this is the most helpful book I have ever read re: self. I reached for this mostly for futher Buddhism study, but also to get through a rough patch in life. And wow, did it help. It is rather amazing the things I uncovered

about how human beings act based on usually pretty simple needs (fears, attachments, desires, etc.) gone awry - when all along, the peace and solace lie within. I guess I always knew that, but somehow this book made me understand the dynamic a whole lot more. Brach is a wonderful author who works hard to get us all to love ourselves again, and in turn, make the world a better place (helping yourself ultimately helps the love we are able to give others - or really, they work in tandem). I will definitely check out other works by her and will recommend this one highly, to many, many people ... in my journey through life.

Show Less

LibraryThing member andrearules

my therapist keeps telling me to read this book

LibraryThing member NatalieRiley

Tara Brach offers such comfort with this book. She thoroughly explains the concept of radical acceptance through personal and client examples. Her Buddhism studies and career as a clinical psychologist is really interesting. She offers many guided meditations to work through the process of radical

acceptance. I loved listening to this audiobook.

Show Less

LibraryThing member mktoronto

This was recommended to me while I was going through a bout of pain during chemo. There's a lot there about using meditation as a way through. Definitely will use some of these practices.

Fewer