Ep. 171 - How To Make Use of Your Broken Heart

Ep. 171 - How To Make Use of Your Broken Heart

March 18, 2026 · 49 min · Season 1 · Episode 171

About this episode

Ethan Nichtern explores the connection between a broken heart and the awakened state of mind in this heartfelt episode.

Sometimes life breaks your heart. Right now, the world is breaking most of our hearts. And if it isn't breaking your heart, you're not paying attention. But what does a broken heart have to do with the awakened state of mind? In this solo episode of The Road Home podcast, Ethan examine the two main aspects of our consciousness - thinking mind and feeling mind. Feeling mind might be better understood as our "Awakened Heart,"which is a not-quite-literal translation of the term Bodhicitta. Most of the time, when life or the world exposes our heart fully, we desperately want to turn away from that tenderness. Because a vulnerable heart hurts, it brings up all the specific ways we feel wounded by our past, and also by the world "out there." But our great power, and our genuine awakening, lies in turning toward Bodhicitta, or what Pema Chodron calls the "soft spot." Let's get into "soft spot," shall we? There's really no other choice in the end. Join Ethan for a very "heartfelt" episode of The Road Home this week. Last year, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider becoming a…

More episodes of The Road Home with Ethan Nichtern

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Road Home with Ethan Nichtern podcast page.