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Radical Compassion

Tara Brach

Practise RAIN to meet difficult emotions with compassion, release fear and shame, and build a more joyful, connected life.

20 min11 Chapters
Radical Compassion

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1:08

Outline

What's it about?

Radical Compassion (2019) introduces RAIN, a simple four-step practice for meeting difficult emotions with kindness. Tara Brach explains how to Recognise what is happening, Allow it to be there, Investigate it with care, and Nurture oneself with compassion. Through stories and guided reflections, the book shows how this practice can ease fear, shame, and self-judgement and strengthen relationships with others.

Key ideas

  • RAIN is a four-step practice for meeting difficult emotions with kindness instead of avoiding or fighting them.
  • The first step, Recognise, means noticing and naming what is actually happening inside you.
  • Allow means letting the feeling be present rather than pushing it away.
  • Investigate and Nurture ask you to look at the feeling with care and then comfort yourself with compassion.
  • Practised regularly, RAIN can ease fear, shame and self-judgement and strengthen your relationships with others.

About the author

Tara Brach is an American psychologist, meditation teacher, and author who founded the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Her popular talks and podcast reach listeners around the world. Her other books include Radical Acceptance and True Refuge.

Questions people ask

What is the main idea of Radical Compassion by Tara Brach?

The book teaches RAIN, a simple practice for meeting painful emotions with kindness. Its steps are to Recognise, Allow, Investigate and Nurture, and it aims to ease fear, shame and self-judgement.

Who is Radical Compassion for?

It suits anyone who struggles with fear, shame or harsh self-judgement and wants a simple, practical way to respond to difficult feelings. It is also useful for readers who want to improve their relationships with others.

How long is the Durar summary of Radical Compassion?

The Durar summary takes about 15 minutes to read or listen to. It covers the four steps of RAIN and how the practice helps with difficult emotions.

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