" Quite simply, if you’re feeling anxious, angry, a sense of shame, whatever it is, breathe in and agree to touch or feel it. Breathing out, offer space and care to whatever’s there. If there’s blocking to touching it, emphasize the in-breath and stay embodied. "
- Tara Brach

When faced with difficult emotions such as anxiety or anger, Tara Brach suggests a simple yet powerful technique: acknowledge your feelings by breathing in and allowing yourself to experience them fully. As you exhale, offer compassion and understanding towards these emotions without judgment. If there’s resistance to feeling these emotions directly, focus on deepening the inhalation while staying connected with your physical body.

This practice goes beyond just managing immediate emotional discomfort; it fosters a deeper connection between mind and body, enhancing self-awareness and resilience. By learning to touch and feel difficult emotions rather than pushing them away, individuals can develop greater emotional intelligence and well-being. This approach encourages the acceptance of all feelings as valid parts of human experience, promoting mental health and personal growth.

Tara Brach is a renowned psychologist, teacher, and author who specializes in mindfulness practices and Buddhist meditation techniques. Her work emphasizes the importance of cultivating awareness and compassion to alleviate suffering and foster inner peace. With a wealth of knowledge and practical insights, she offers guidance that resonates deeply with many seeking to improve their mental health and emotional resilience.