The Super-power of Tenderness

(17:43min)   Unlocking the Secret Powers of Tenderness – Meena Srinivasan – TEDxSouthLakeTahoe

This remarkable new 17-minute TEDx talk by Meena Srinivasan, literally unlocks the secret powers of tenderness. Her interest in the subject was ironically triggered by the traumatic experience of being in Delhi during multiple bomb blasts in 2008; she explains how the fear generated by that event, led to her seeking both an understanding of her reactions, and a way to live differently in future. She was inspired by a talk given by the late Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh who introduced the concept of Interbeing, which left her with a new sense of the interdependent nature of reality.

She eventually came to realise the true significance of Interbeing, and how it can be manifested through the practice of tenderness. She asked herself, “Can I cultivate tenderness as a way of being?” She says the best way to do that is to always treat oneself with tenderness, which can be difficult. She also says that tenderness cannot co-exist with judgement, either of oneself or of others, but that curiosity can be a very effective antidote to judgement. She brings the talk towards a close with a quote from Rumi; “Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of the heart.”

She concludes with a question for viewers to ask themselves;

How can I live with greater tenderness, toward myself, others, and the Earth?”