SUSAN’S
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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

More than self-help, meditation is a path to love

March 11, 2024   |   10 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 10:16

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, When the benefits of meditation are discussed, the word “science” comes up a lot. Yay! Love science! Thank you science for proving how awesome meditation is! Your data rules!  However, this ancient practice is so much more than a life hack for less stress and more happiness (both of which are fantastic). It is actually... 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

This post is a little different–it’s about me and how I became a meditator

January 29, 2024   |   12 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 19:38

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, Thank you so much for being a part of this amazing, beautiful meditation community. Together, we are building something very special–a meditation community based on dharma without dogma.  Over the years, some of you have expressed an interest in my personal journey: how I came to the path, what motivated me, and so on. Before... READ MORE

How can I offer loving kindness to toxic people and still protect my boundaries?

January 22, 2024   |   17 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 8:40

Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project, I received a question recently about offering loving kindness to toxic people while still protecting one’s boundaries. Before today’s sit, I offer a few thoughts. If you’d like to ask a question for me to address in a future video, please don’t hesitate to send. I won’t mention your name or any identifying characteristics.  With... 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

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