meditation Archives - The Open Heart Project

Explore the Heart Sutra: One-Day Retreat in Austin, TX | MAY 18

REGISTER HERE

SUSAN’S
Blog

Viewing Posts in meditation

How can I find a (trustworthy) teacher?

April 22, 2024   |   6 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 10:03

Hello, wonderful person, Before today’s practice, I share a few thoughts in response to a question I hear from you somewhat regularly: how to find a teacher? How do I know who and what to trust? Before today’s sit, I offer a few thoughts. Spoiler: there are no easy answers. With love,  Susan

Are we practicing mindfulness? Yes. And no.

April 15, 2024   |   17 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 8:46

Hello, wonderful person. Before today’s practice, I share a few thoughts about mindfulness meditation. Is that what we are doing when we sit together? Yes, that is accurate. But it is only 50% accurate. There is another aspect that is equally important. Please have a listen to this short talk to learn more. And let me know what you think... READ MORE

Magic is real. Here’s how I know: Part 3

April 8, 2024   |   10 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:30

Hello Open Heart Project, I recently read an article about a new meditation app that purports to offer meditation instruction via AI generated content meant to teach Dzogchen and Mahamudra. My friends, I literally could not sleep that night. I was so upset. Dzogchen and Mahamudra are among the highest teachings in all of Buddhism. They are never taught without... READ MORE

Magic is real. Here’s how I know: Part 2

March 31, 2024   |   6 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 21:16

Hello, I hope you are well! Last week, I mentioned that there were three steps we could take to keep our practice firmly rooted in the realm of the spiritual–the mysterious, the sacred, the deeply personal–rather than the realm of self-help which can turn quite aggressive. Our practice is so powerful, but the real scope is glimpsed only when we... READ MORE

The connection between meditation and creativity

March 18, 2024   |   1 Comment

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 9:53

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, Before today’s meditation, I offer a few thoughts about the connection between creativity and meditation. I find that one is very difficult without the other! If you want to explore this topic further, please think about joining me in Austin, TX May 22-26 for a meditation and writing retreat. We’ll spend 4 full days practicing... READ MORE

Love After Heartbreak

March 4, 2024   |   Leave a reply

Hello Open Heart Project, Since The Wisdom of a Broken Heart came out, I’ve had the honor of speaking with many people who are meeting this incredibly difficult life passage with courage and tenderness. We talk about the endless waves of grief, fear, and rage and how one could possibly weather them. We talk about the valuable, hard-won heart opening that can... READ MORE

How our practice can help with a broken heart (Part 3)

February 26, 2024   |   5 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:47

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, I have three basic suggestions for how Buddhist wisdom can help with heartbreak. Two weeks ago, we talked about the first step which involves figuring out how to work with your racing or clouded mind. Last week, I made suggestions for working with the overwhelming energy of the heart. This week, I share some thoughts... READ MORE

How our practice can help with a broken heart (Part 2)

February 19, 2024   |   5 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 16:10

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, I have three basic suggestions for how Buddhist wisdom can help with heartbreak. Last week we talked about the first step which involves figuring out how to work with your racing or clouded mind. This week, I make suggestions for working with the overwhelming energy of the heart which, when shattered or upset, overflows with... READ MORE

How our practice can help with a broken heart (Part 1)

February 12, 2024   |   6 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 14:36

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, Many years ago, I wrote a book called The Wisdom of a Broken Heart about how Buddhist wisdom helped me with my own broken heart. I get emails and messages about the impact of this book more than anything I have ever written. I am gratified to know it is useful. (Last year, I updated... READ MORE

Four ways to react to the situations we encounter

February 5, 2024   |   8 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 7:40

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, Hello, I hope you are well and finding sources of peace within yourself and around yourself. Did you know that within the OHP there is something called the Open Heart Project Sangha? We explore a different theme each month and recently that theme was something called the Four Karmas which describe four different ways to... READ MORE

Am I still a spiritual person even if I feel anger, irritation, and even hatred? 3 ways to work with “negative” emotions.

January 15, 2024   |   9 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:00

Dear wonderful Open Heart Project, I hope your year is off to a wonderful start and you are able to find peace within and around yourself.  It’s possible you thought, as did I, that meditation would help you feel…less. Less rage. Less sorrow. I’d have even settled for less crankiness. No such luck–I’m still a human being. I made this... READ MORE

We have so much to share with you

Get a new meditation from me every Monday morning