When we experience strong emotional reactivity, it is particularly helpful to practice self-compassion. It brings in the second wing of mindfulness, the wing of allowing through loving presence. The clinical psychologist and meditation teacher Tara Brach has developed a self-compassion practice based on the acronym RAIN, and it is described in her latest book Radical Compassion. RAIN stands for the four steps of Recognize, Allow, Investigate and Nurture. These steps are easy to learn and can be used whenever we feel stressed, fearful, reactive and confused. Over time, they build inner resilience and trust in our own wise heart, so we can respond to life in a way that expresses our truth.
Self-compassion meditation using RAIN
