Most people get depressed at times, and many suffer greatly from bouts of major depression. At the heart of the suffering is the experience of severed belonging—of being imprisoned in the pain of separation, unworthiness, unlovability and hopelessness.
These two talks explore several meditation practices that reconnect us with our natural aliveness, openheartedness and awareness. They empower us to develop our inner resources, energize us to awaken, free us from rumination and remind us that we are not our depressive thoughts and feelings. The growing realization of the loving awareness that is our home heals the very roots of depression.

In the midst of difficulty we need access to our deepest wisdom and love. This guided meditation calls forth this loving presence by opening to the heart and spirit of whatever being in our life we most experience as calm, wise and compassionate.

In this rich and heartful conversation, I join two dear Buddhist monks — Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho — who are in the process of founding Clear Mountain Monastery, a new Buddhist community in the Seattle area. Their bright, warm spirit brings a lighthearted and sincere presence to our dialogue, making this exchange a true joy to share.

Together, we explore many dimensions of the spiritual path — including my own journey of finding refuge during a dark time, the teachers who’ve inspired me, and the teachings that most deeply call to my heart. We also reflect on the practice of RAIN, the dance between directing attention and opening to what’s here, and how compassion and equanimity intertwine to support us in these challenging times.

Along the way, we touch into the Pali word sanook — meaning fun or lightheartedness — which beautifully captures the spirit of our time together.

May this conversation nourish your own trust in the path and remind you of the goodness and joy that are always here, waiting to be discovered.

In this talk, we’ll look at:
- how trusting our basic goodness becomes the foundation for intimacy, creativity, and awakening compassion in a suffering world.
- Tara’s own journey through illness and fear, and how softening around pain opens the heart to freedom and love.
- the power of the RAIN meditation to transform judgment and reactivity into mindful presence and self-acceptance.
- how taking a sacred pause helps us step out of the virtual trance and re-enter embodied awareness and connection
- trusting Buddha-nature — the radiant goodness that shines through all beings — as the ultimate refuge in an unraveling world.

Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho are part of Clear Mountain Monastery Project, an aspiring Buddhist forest monastery in the Seattle area.

Website: https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ClearMountainMonastery