Tara Talks is a series of short offerings found within Tara’s dharma talks; short talks that bring the teachings to life and give profound insight on the path toward living from an awakened heart-mind.

Two stick figures holding hands graffiti red background by Jon Tyson from Unsplash

Tara Talks: Radical Acceptance is a Prerequisite for Change

Tara Talks: Radical Acceptance is a Prerequisite for Change Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “It wasn’t until I accepted myself just as I was, that I was free to change.” The fear of Radical Acceptance is that if we accept ourselves just as we are, we’ll never improve or get better. But it is that deep, unconditional tenderness toward our own beings that actually creates the pathway to the freedom we seek.

bennett-tobias-Senior couple walking hand in hand evening stroll-unsplash

Ann Esckilsen

 

One of the most challenging aspect of the CO-VID 19 epidemic is that it causes us to feel even more uncertain about the present. You are facing the fact that you  can not control even the simplest facts concerning your life.  You have to abide by restrictive instructions for your protection. Limits have been put on workplaces, entertainment options, and even the distance one should place between yourself and another. No one knows how long this crisis will last. One could argue that this is not such a novel concept, as we are each confronted by the inevitability of unknown tragedy or death every day. We are better at remaining in denial or ignoring illness and death, rather than accepting them as fact. Accepting this uncertainty allows us the freedom to fill our time with positive actions aware now what is critical to living joyfully  with a kind heart.

Perhaps, then, this is the time to practice and embrace radical acceptance, and have a greater appreciation for the beauty within the darkness. By this, I mean, that we may have more time with family. You can slow down and put those closest as your daily priority, building new memories around the dinner table. Bring back a ritual of eating dinner together, laughing, telling stories, and bonding. Take a walk with an aging parent, inhale, exhale, know that we are breathing while noticing the first crocus pushing through the dirt. For me, it also reestablished the idea in my mind, of how a simple smile, compliment, or exchange between strangers can be so heartwarming and even change my attitude for the day. We are social creatures and we need one another. Just when I thought social media, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat had replaced the need for face to face interaction, now I know there is nothing better than a hug or an authentic conversation over dinner.

 

Dr. Alan Kazdin

Tips for parents to promote Remote Learning

Remote Learning During COVID-19: Tips for Parents How to Be Both Parent and Teacher “The key is providing tasks that your child can do. The main goal is not to challenge the point of frustration; but to instill a liking of the process — finding out things, knowing more, developing competencies.” – Dr. Alan Kazdin Professor of Psychology and Child Psychiatry Department of Psychology Yale University Expert in: Evidence-Based Parenting, Positive Child Development, Discipline, Psychology, Treating Aggressive Behaviors, and Bullying
Dr Barbara Oakley

Prioritize STEM Learning

“One of the study areas that is affected the most by the pandemic lockdown is math. Just like playing a musical instrument, children’s ‘math minds’ need daily practice! Having your children spend just twenty minutes practicing math each weekday will do an enormous amount to keep your child on track academically.”

– Dr. Barb Oakley

  • Distinguished Scholar of Global Digital Learning, McMaster University

  • Professor of Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Oakland University

  • Expert in: Learning and Study Tips, STEM Education, Lifelong Learning, Online Learning, and Neuroscience

Dr Greg Fabiano

Support Children with Learning Challenges

“Children with learning challenges, such as ADHD, may require additional monitoring, positive behavior support, and accommodations to effectively participate in remote instruction. This may require parents to plan ahead to ensure the child is prepared, in an environment where they can attend, and that there are enough breaks built into the day.” – Dr. Greg Fabiano

  • Professor of Management, Director, Center for Human Resources

  • The Wharton School

  • University of Pennsylvania

  • Expert in: Effective Parenting Interventions, Parenting a Child with ADHD, Helping Child with ADHD In School, ADHD Medication vs. Behavior Therapy

Dr. Cyndi Burnett

Fostering Creativity

“Follow and support your child’s curiosity. Talk to your child about their interests, and look online for opportunities where they might expand their knowledge and engage with equally passionate groups of children.”  Dr. Cyndi Burnett

  • Associate Professor

  • Creative Studies

  • The State University of New York

  • Expert in: Developing Creativity in Children, Creative Curriculums, Creative Thinking in Education, and Creativity Trends

One of the unexpected delights (see personal pleasure) created by this horrific pandemic is the on-screen banter between Chris (CNN) and Andrew (The Gov. of NY) Cuomo. Most know Chris Cuomo contracted COVID-19 and is isolated in the basement of his home.   Humor sustains us through difficult times. Consider the importance of humor when dealing with a difficult situation. The brothers Cuomo, sons of the great Governor, Mario Cuomo have what all healthy brothers cultivate through family living, mutual respect exhibited as rivalry to the outside world.    We include this video for you viewing pleasure and to remind all the importance of humor, family and healthy humility.

 

Chris Cuomo jokes with his governor brother: You’re single and ready to mingle

Gov. Cuomo Shows Love To His Mom On Mother’s Day

    NBC New York 151K subscribers Gov. Cuomo gives a shoutout to his mom on Mother’s Day.