Today we welcome Sharon Salzberg, who is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is the co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed six million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Her latest book is called Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom. In this episode, I talk to Sharon Salzberg about navigating real life. When we are faced with trials and tribulations, it feels as if we're alone. On top of that, our underlying assumptions about the world and ourselves can make us feel worse. Sharon shares with us useful tips that can help us deal with overwhelming emotions and pain. She believes that by cultivating these loving-kindness practices, it can help us feel more open and free, allowing our inner lights to shine forth.Website: www.sharonsalzberg.comTwitter: @SharonSalzberg Topics02:17 From isolation to openness and freedom05:36 Suffering from our unexamined assumptions07:33 “Shaking hands” with our emotions11:35 Looking within with love15:38 Guilt, shame, and remorse19:23 Loving-kindness exercises23:33 “When we connect with others, we find ourselves”27:07 The light within us all30:34 The Dalai Lama’s visit to insight meditation society33:15 Widening our window of tolerance39:11 Allow yourself to feel joy40:57 Dealing with illness and physical pain48:00 Aspiration powers our journey