October 28, 2024 |
Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 15:30
It seems we are in a time of heightened anxiety and fear–and for very understandable reasons. Most suggestions and techniques for calming yourself focus on altering your inner state by various means. Makes sense! But this is often not enough. In this week’s video, I make some suggestions from my Buddhist training about creating an environment from which you can... READ MORE
October 27, 2024 |
Our hearts continue to go out to those affected by the devastating hurricanes across the East Coast. One way I know I can be of help is to practice loving kindness for all those impacted by the storms. Our sangha gathering on October 4th practiced loving kindness for hurricane victims. Here is the recording. May our practice be of benefit.... READ MORE
October 21, 2024 |
Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 9:10
I hope you and yours are well! As we get closer and closer to the US election, anxieties and tensions are bound to rise. We are in a state of divisiveness and fear. It is hard (impossible?) not to fall prey to sorrow and frustration. I wish I could tell you that Buddhism had some solution to all of this.... READ MORE
October 14, 2024 |
Meditation begins at 14:59
Audio only version is here
I hope you are well and safe. If you are in a region impacted by recent hurricanes, my heart goes out to you and I hold you in my practice. I know that doesn’t change or fix things, but it’s true nonetheless. This morning I got an email from one of you asking for some thoughts on compassion fatigue. First... READ MORE
October 7, 2024 |
Audio only version is here.
Meditation begins at 16:15
Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project practitioners, May all beings discover their inherent sanity and decency. Although it may sound improbable, meditation is a direct conduit to such qualities. It introduces space between what we think and what we do, how we feel and the conclusions we draw about self and other. Truly, the world is in need of people who... READ MORE
October 5, 2024 |
Yesterday, the Open Heart Project sangha gathered to practice loving kindness for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Posting her in case you would like to practice. This is a great example of what a sangha can do when times are difficult. Thank you, OHP sangha. I love you.
September 29, 2024 |
Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:14
Hello, I hope you and your loved ones are well. Before today’s 10-minute meditation, I share some thoughts about the first noble truth of Buddhism–that life is suffering (or unsatisfying). Thanks a lot, Buddha! Not exactly what I was hoping to hear. Nonetheless…there is power and even joy in abiding in reality. In your life. IRL (in real life). It’s... READ MORE
September 23, 2024 |
Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 14:32.
Hello, Open Heart Project. I hope you are well and finding ways to be joyful and kind (to yourself, others, the planet). This video suggests three ways we can work with so-called negative emotions. There are so many all over the place! It can be very difficult to figure out how to work with rage, fear, and, perhaps most dangerous,... READ MORE
September 16, 2024 |
Hello, excellent Open Heart Project practitioners. I’m reflecting on a time I posted this message to social media: “What if we never chose sides? What if we chose to care about each other?” I knew as I was posting that this would make some people mad because nothing angers people more than suggesting non-aggression. (The blog post I wrote that... READ MORE
September 9, 2024 |
As you have learned (or will learn if this is your first time meditating), our practice requires us to be mindful of three things. First is mindfulness of body—we hold our posture in a certain way. Second is mindfulness of breath—we place attention on breath and, when it strays, bring it back. Third is mindfulness of mind. But what does... READ MORE
September 2, 2024 |
Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:00
Dear wonderful Open Heart Project, 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 video for those of you who fear that anger or other so-called negative emotions mean you are not a spiritual person.... READ MORE
August 26, 2024 |
This morning while I was meditating, I pictured myself punching a particular Presidential candidate in the face. I wished he was dead. I found myself hoping that someone would kill him. While I was meditating, y’all. As lame as I may be as a meditator and a Buddhist, I recognized that this was the wrong way to go. Even though... READ MORE
