Working with Difficult Emotions

Difficult emotions may be the most challenging things we face in our lives. We respond to them in different ways — by becoming angry, getting busy, shutting down, or feeling overwhelmed. But what if turned toward our difficult emotions rather than struggle against them or turn away?

RAIN is an acronym for a contemplative process that allows us to look deeply at our experience with an open and kind heart. Made popular by psychologist and Buddhist teacher Tara Brach, RAIN has four steps:

•    R – Recognize what is happening
•    A – Allow life to be just as it is
•    I – Investigate inner experience with kindness
•    N – Nurture and Non-Identification

These steps help us strengthen our ability to experience our emotions and extend the self-care we need in difficult times. Practiced over time, they allow us to live our lives with greater openness and calm, and face into the storms that come our way with greater care and equanimity.

In this introduction to RAIN, we’ll explore each step in this four-step process through lecture, guided meditation and sharing.

Tuition is $65.