According to Tara Brach, every person possesses an ‘essence of beingness’ that is inherently good, regardless of their shortcomings. In her book Trusting the Gold, Brach invites readers to recognize and embrace the goodness within themselves. Explore the benefits of ‘trusting the gold’ and discover how it can manifest in your life.
Exploring Your Inner Self
Dr. Tara Brach, a globally recognized clinical psychologist, meditation teacher, and author, is celebrated for her work on radical acceptance and compassion. Her book Trusting the Gold builds upon many of the core principles explored in her earlier acclaimed works.
Everyone experiences moments of self-doubt, self-criticism, and insecurity. Many of us are conditioned to overlook or dismiss our own positive qualities, making it easier to recognize the good in others than in ourselves.
In Trusting the Gold, Tara Brach explains that by cultivating deeper awareness, we may discover that positive qualities like care and love often underlie the very aspects of ourselves we view negatively.
The Meaning of ‘Trusting the Gold’
At its core, it means believing in the goodness within yourself. This can be difficult, as many of us face constant pressure to achieve more and often compare ourselves to the polished highlights of others’ lives.
Brach encourages us to challenge feelings of inadequacy by trusting in what she refers to as ‘the essence of who we all are,’ a core that is inherently good.
The fear of appearing arrogant can be a significant barrier to recognizing the gold within ourselves, along with the concern that embracing our inherent goodness might lead to complacency or a lack of motivation.
However, Brach argues the opposite: trusting in your gold calms the brain’s limbic system, fostering a sense of balance, kindness, and calmness—ideal states for focusing on and caring for others. She also emphasizes that motivation rooted in love and care, rather than fear, is a far more powerful force for driving meaningful change.
How to trust the gold in yourself and others
Brach outlines two pathways to trusting the gold.
The first involves developing an awareness of reality and then deepening that awareness to uncover its root. For instance, if you feel helpless after reading negative world news, you might recognize that this feeling stems from a profound care for the well-being of others.
The second pathway involves actively seeking out the good. By intentionally focusing your attention, you can disrupt patterns of negative thinking and train yourself to recognize the goodness and qualities you appreciate in yourself and others. This approach doesn’t ignore areas for growth but fosters a more balanced perspective, creating space for positivity to thrive.
How Coaching Can Support the Process
Brach emphasizes that discovering the gold within yourself and others is not a one-time practice but a journey that requires consistent effort and patience. Working with a coach can provide valuable support as you cultivate this habit, helping you stay committed to recognizing and nurturing the inherent goodness in yourself and those around you.