Radical Compassion

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 4 NOV. 2019

Mindfulness teacher Brach (True Refuge) presents a straightforward approach to living with more presence and compassion in this easy-to-follow guide. Continuing the lessons explored in her earlier works, Brach advocates for mindfulness as a means of releasing emotional suffering that keeps one "disconnected from the whole of reality" and from "living true to ourselves." The specific meditation practice she offers is called RAIN recognize, allow, investigate, and non-identification and, after 15 years of her practice, Brach explains a new twist: swapping out non-identification for "nurture," or practices that "directly awaken self-compassion." Brach unpacks painful emotions such as shame, guilt, anger, and self-doubt with clarity, and provides meditation exercises and prompts to help readers fully incorporate the RAIN system. While her approach is grounded in Buddhist meditation practices, she includes illuminating stories from a range of cultures and spiritual traditions, while anecdotes from the lives of Brach and her students, guided meditations, and q&as help define the concepts in practical terms. Anyone hoping to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and advice for easing the burden of negative emotions will find this to be a helpful resource.