Written by a charismatic Buddhist leader who is also a psychotherapist, this is the first book to explore how Buddhist teachings can heal the core feelings of"not good enough"that are epidemic in our society. "Believing that something is wrong with us is a deep and tenacious suffering, "writes Tara Brach at the start of this illuminating book. This suffering emerges in crippling self-judgments and personal conflicts, in addictions, perfectionism, 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. Through personal stories and case histories, fresh interpretations of Buddhist tales, and guided meditations, Tara Brach shows how we can develop the balance of clear-sightedness and compassion that is the essence of Radical Acceptance--healing fear and shame, helping to build authentic relationships, and enabling us to live fully every moment of our lives.

"Radical Acceptance offers gentle wisdom and tender healing, a most excellent medicine for our unworthiness and longing. Breathe, soften, and let these compassionate teachings bless your heart."

— Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart and After the Ecstasy, the Laundry

For many of us, feelings of deficiency are right around the corner. It doesn't take much--just hearing of someone else's accomplishments, being criticized, getting into an argument, making a mistake at work--to make us feel that we are not okay. Beginning to understand how our lives have become ensnared in this trance of unworthiness is our first step toward reconnecting with who we really are and what it means to live fully.

--from Radical Acceptance

Radical Acceptance

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.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [331]-333).

Written by a charismatic Buddhist leader who is also a psychotherapist, this is the first book to explore how Buddhist teachings can heal the core feelings of "not good enough" that are epidemic in our society.