Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 11:38 Hello wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you and your loved ones are well and staying strong during this time of pain and anxiety–and possibility. How do we stay sane as we ride these intense waves? In the Buddhist view, there are eight ways to preserve your sanity for your own... READ MORE
Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 9:55 Hello excellent Open Heart Project, As you may know, I am sending you videos once a week during this intense time of reckoning, uncertainty, and, yes, hope. Sometimes it is hard to see that last bit. One of my favorite books of all time is On Becoming an Alchemist by the... READ MORE
Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 7:58 Hello wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you are feeling safe and well. It is a very intense time and I’m happy to be back in touch on a weekly basis rather than monthly. I hope you find these short talks and guided meditations useful and empowering. Last week, I discussed... READ MORE
Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 9:58 Hello Open Heart Project, We’re back! As you may be aware, my newsletter normally goes out once a month, or at least that my intention in January 2020. But what a year, my friends. When the COVID pandemic began, I reverted to once a week…until July…and now I’d like to be... READ MORE
I’m happy to answer your questions about meditation and spiritual practice. This question comes from Mary Lee who asks, “I know I am not alone in having trouble keeping my eyes open during meditation and I do want to do it correctly. I do a lot of Yoda Nidra and body scans and they are done with eyes closed. Any... READ MORE
I’m so happy to discuss your questions about meditation and spirituality. If you want to ask one, let me know in comments. I will do what I can to help. This question is from Faith, who asks: I have a history of anxiety and moderate to severe panic attacks. Anything you can offer to assist with these feelings would be... READ MORE
This week’s question is from Roxana: “Can you provide meditations on how to obtain tranquility/calmness/serenity in anxious moments.” . If you’d like me to answer your questions about meditation, please email your question to me. xo Susan
Thought you might appreicate a look at what really goes on behind the scenes as I make these videos for you… BLOOPER REEL! Enjoy and may your holidays be full of goodness and light. Love, Susan
Mindfulness is often suggested as a panacea for, well, everything. It is not. It is especially important to be careful about practicing or teaching meditation when trauma is involved. I wanted to make sure you saw this video conversation between trauma expert and author David Treleaven, Jenna, and myself. It’s not short (a little over an hour), but if you... READ MORE
As some of you may know, there is a great deal of trauma being exposed in the world of Shambhala where I have studied and practiced Buddhism for more than 20 years. It centers on the clergy sexual abuse perpetrated by Sakyong Mipham, the lineage-holder. The stories of abuse are captured here in a report from Andrea Winn’s Project Sunshine,... READ MORE
Dear friends, students, and Shambhala Sangha, If you haven’t heard, the head of my Shambhala lineage has been accused of clerical sexual abuse. The community is reeling. Whether you are in the Open Heart Project community or are a fellow Shambhala practitioner, I want to share with you my own thoughts and feelings about what is going on. First, thank... READ MORE
Can’t wait to share it with you. I hope you will find it inspiring, useful, and real. It is about what it really takes to open your heart in a love relationship. We are self-publishing this, y’all. I wrote this book for us specifically. Every single decision that has gone into creating it has been made with you in mind.... READ MORE