SUSAN’S
Blog

3 ways to work with “negative” emotions

September 2, 2024   |   5 Comments

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

Election season anger and fear

August 26, 2024   |   2 Comments

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

The path is what you’re doing right now

August 19, 2024   |   5 Comments

In the Buddhist view, there are three ways to practice the dharma. (Determining the way that is right for you is a matter of karma and inspiration.) The first way is the path of monasticism. This is fairly straightforward in terms of understanding what is meant. You renounce this world and the things of this world—money, sex, buying a house,... READ MORE

Recording of Meet the Inner Teacher info session

August 12, 2024   |   2 Comments

It was a joy to discuss the means by which meditation supports a deeper relationship with your own wisdom mind.  Meeting the inner teacher is a profound and fascinating subject—and one rarely discussed when mindfulness meditation is taught as a self-help technique or life hack. As mindfulness makes its way into our culture, fewer and fewer teachers offer it for... READ MORE

What is the “middle way?” (Might not be what you thought…)

August 12, 2024   |   12 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 11:36. Dear Open Heart Project, Hello, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who reached out to me after my cat passed away. Your kindness has been received and welcome. In this video, I share something I’ve been thinking about in relation so my own spiritual journey, what in Buddhism is called... READ MORE

Grief, loss, and cats

August 5, 2024   |   74 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 21:17

Hello, First off, I want to say that if you are struggling with grief or depression, you may not want to listen to this because I cry and talk about my own sorrows.  In this video, I share about my loss of a beloved household member, our cat, Sly. I didn’t know if I could talk about it because I... READ MORE

If your meditation is not making you more peaceful…

May 6, 2024   |   24 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 14:23

Hello you wonderful human. How do I know you’re wonderful? Because you are interested in meditation and your spiritual journey. Case closed. Many of us wonder how we can achieve the inner peace and tranquility of the great teachers we love. This is an excellent quest. However, most of these great teachers (you may notice) are wearing robes. Why? Because... READ MORE

Buddhism is called the Middle Way. What is it in the middle of?

April 29, 2024   |   4 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:16

Hello, I hope you and yours are well. Before today’s meditation, I offer a few thoughts on the Middle Way, as Buddhism is sometimes referred to. No one has to be a Buddhist to benefit from contemplating this middle way. What is it in the middle of? What does it mean to me and my practice? Have a listen and... READ MORE

How can I find a (trustworthy) teacher?

April 22, 2024   |   8 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

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