3 Podcasts That Will Open Your Heart
“I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life. ”
I used to think the key to a successful life was having a promising career. If I climbed the corporate ladder to success, then I will be happy.
If I solve all the company’s problems, I will be happy. I invested so much in my technical and analytical mind to achieve my idea of success that I found myself “successful,” but not happy once I reached my thirties.
In fact, there was a constant discontent of wanting and achieving more. Nothing was good enough. I felt disconnected from the world and closed off.
Something was missing.
I did an audit of my life and found that I got so focused on problems and negativity both inside and outside of work that it changed how I perceived the world.
I started really listening to the morning radio that usually played while driving to work, and I began to notice how critical and gloomy it was. I then looked at my social media and found something similar.
Every day, I exposed my mind to toxic garbage that was not even true. I did not realize it was impacting me. I was becoming pessimistic and cynical. I somehow forgot how to let in the good I was exposed to every day.
I realized this was a choice and my responsibility to change. I started to seek out podcasts to open my heart back up to expose my mind to every day to offset all of the negativity I was letting in.
Here are the 3 podcasts that had helped open my heart when there were plenty of valid reasons not to.
01 Tara Brach
Tara Brach is an American psychologist and meditation teacher. Her podcast is full of wisdom that blends psychology and Buddhism in her teachings.
Most of Tara’s episodes share heartful stories, including her own, on very relatable topics, such as transcending pain, suffering, anxiety, compassion, and conflict resolution.
She gives excellent advice that you can actually apply to your own life to bring more ease and compassion to your life—basically, free therapy sessions.
She has a ton of guided meditations on the app as well. Check out the episode, Repairing Our Hearts with the RAIN of Compassion.
02 Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield is an American Buddhist that has been instrumental in bringing Buddism teachings to the West.
The podcast is described as sharing Jack’s “innate common sense wisdom and his open heart.” Jack’s teachings are also story-based, geared towards helping us all bring more ease, equanimity, and compassion into our lives.
It’s like having a cup of coffee with a wise man. Check out this episode, Ep. 92 - Stories That Open the Mind, Mend the Heart and Lead to Joy.
03 Super Soul Conversations
Super Soul Conversations is Oprah Winfrey’s podcast. I appreciate this podcast because Oprah interviews all different types of people from all different walks of life.
You get to hear personal stories, lessons learned, and “ah-ha” moments from people who have overcome so much.
Such people include thought-leaders, spiritual teachers, celebrities, and authors focused on health and wellness. Check out this episode, Oprah Winfrey: FORGIVENESS.
These are the 3 podcasts that have helped me open my heart and cultivate a warmhearted feeling during tough times. They are a constant reminder of what is most important and all of the good in the world. I hope you find comfort in these podcasts.
Go Do it. Just Start. Take Control. Report Back.
Jess
Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash
