Tara Brach Compassion in Times of Conflict—a Conversation with Tara, Paul Gilbert, and Rick Hanson
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Apr 16, 2026 
Tara Brach, mindfulness teacher who guides practices for presence and belonging, chats with Paul Gilbert, psychologist who founded Compassion-Focused Therapy and studies the brain’s threat systems, and Rick Hanson, psychologist focused on positive neuroplasticity and resilience. They explore how evolutionary fear, shame, and tribalism block care. Short reflections and a guided practice invite pausing, feeling vulnerability, and widening circles of belonging.
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Evolution Built Compassion And Tribalism
- The brain evolved competing systems that enable both compassion and aggression, shaped by survival, reproduction, and social bonding.
- Paul Gilbert explains oxytocin can promote maternal bonding yet increase aggression toward outsiders, creating in-group/out-group bias.
Separation Clenches The Heart And Hides Our Gold
- A sense of separate self creates a protective clench that fuels reactivity, shame, and the stories that sustain conflict.
- Tara Brach likens our covered goodness to gold hidden under clay that practice can reveal and trust.
Train Compassion With Attention Courage And Wisdom
- Cultivate compassion as a trained motive combining attention, courage, and wisdom to both notice suffering and respond effectively.
- Paul Gilbert recommends distinguishing noticing from responding and developing wisdom so help is brave but not reckless.