Hello Wonderful Open Heart Project, Today I wanted to let you know that my book, The Buddhist Enneagram, has just been released in a new edition by Shambhala Publications. The book explores how the wisdom of Buddhism and the Enneagram can illuminate each other. Together, these two systems offer a powerful way to understand how we move through the world,... READ MORE
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Meditation practice begins at 21:07
Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. In our conversations about the Noble Eightfold Path, we have explored Right View, seeing clearly; Right Intention, examining our motivations; Right Speech, verifying the honesty of our words; and Right Action, understanding our impact and committing to non harm. Today we move on to the fifth step: Right Livelihood. How can we turn work, money,... READ MORE
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Meditation practice begins at 15:34
Hello Wonderful Open Heart Project, In our talks about the Noble Eightfold Path, so far we have explored Right View (seeing things clearly), Right Intention (evaluating our motivations), and Right Speech (verifying the honesty of our words). Now we look at what we actually do in Right Action. Right Action is straightforward. Do not harm. Do not take what is... READ MORE
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Meditation practice begins at 21:36
Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you are well and staying steady in these very unsteady times. There is so much upheaval in our country and around the world. Strong views. Strong emotions. A lot of suffering. Where to begin to find any type of steadiness? In Buddhist thought, there are 8 steps on the path to sanity. We... READ MORE
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Meditation practice begins at 11:58
Hello Wonderful Open Heart Project, In this talk, we continue exploring the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, focusing on the second step: Right Intention. Right Intention grows out of Right View, which is the willingness to see clearly. When we practice seeing things clearly, the question becomes very practical: How do we live? How do we move... READ MORE
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Meditation practice begins at 16:14.
Hello, dear Open Heart Project. I hope you are well and finding steadiness as we move through such uncertain and charged times, both here in the US and around the world. This video series I’m sharing was created in the past, but I find that the Eightfold Path feels even more relevant now. When fear, division, and violence are shaping... READ MORE
I hope to see you in May for the Fearless Creativity meditation and writing retreat at Drala Mountain Center this May. Love, Susan
Hello Open Heart Project, Each morning, the Open Heart Project Sangha gathers to meditate and to tell the truth about what is happening. Recently, the group was larger than usual. That alone says something about the moment we’re in. I don’t have a teaching that makes this time acceptable or less painful. There is no way to explain it away.... READ MORE
Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project meditator. This week’s email is to let you know that the OHP now has a podcast, Buddhism Beyond Belief. I created it to offer further support on your journey. I talk about classical Buddhist teachings and share experiences from my own life about how I have applied (and misapplied) them. I’m linking to a few episodes... READ MORE
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Meditation practice begins at 17.23
Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I’ve been reflecting on how easily meditation practice can fade into the background when life gets busy or uncertain. Not because it doesn’t matter, but because the very moments when we need it most are often the moments when it’s hardest to remember to turn toward it. What I keep coming back to is this:... READ MORE
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Meditation begins at 8:40
Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, I received a thoughtful question about how to offer loving-kindness to people who feel toxic, while still honoring and protecting our own boundaries. Before today’s sit, I wanted to share a few reflections with you. If you have a question you’d like me to explore in a future video, please feel free to send it... READ MORE
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Meditation begins at 8:39
Hello Wonderful Open Heart Project, Happy new year! I hope you are well and finding sources of joy, big and/or small. As one year turns into the next, it’s natural to wonder: how do I finally, finally make the changes I long for?! How do I move forward rather than continually taking one step forward, two steps back, and so... READ MORE
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