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SUMMARY:Look\, Look\, Look\, Look\, Look Again: Buddhist Wisdom Reflected in 26 Artists
DESCRIPTION:Free webinar to talk with author and teacher Kevin Townley about the Five Buddha Wisdoms. Register here.\nOne of the best things about the Open Heart Project Sangha is KEVIN TOWNLEY. If you’ve ever heard him teach\, you know exactly why I say that. His approach to the dharma is completely unique while being fully rooted in tradition. He illustrates deeply nuanced teachings in a fully relatable way–while being hilarious. And charming. And extremely suave.  \nI’m delighted to invite you to a free webinar with him to discuss the Five Buddha Wisdoms\, also the topic of his recent book\, Look\, Look\, Look\, Look\, Look Again: Buddhist Wisdom Reflected in 26 Artists. These teachings are central in many schools of Tibetan Buddhism. They describe the five ways wisdom arises in each of us.  \nThe Open Heart Project’s Lionheart Press is the publisher of this book and I’ve never been more proud of any project I’ve been involved in. (Even though I just hung around while Kevin and editrix extraordinaire Crystal Gandrud did all the work.)  \nCheck out this sampling of Amazon reviews: \nI’m completely awed and enchanted by this fabulous book! It’s like an all night conversation about life and art with a brilliant funny friend. Kevin’s ability to draw from a diverse range of cultural references is catnip for a liberal arts nerd like myself. Plus I learned about an amazing group of female identified artists who were mostly unknown to me. What a treat! Nutritious and delicious! \nI had read the electronic version of this book\, but after receiving the print version\, I am glad that I ordered it. There is much to study\, much to savor and much to simply be wowed over. Kevin Townley’s erudite and amazingly well-researched text is fast-paced\, contemporary and witty\, fleshing out individual artists’ works with commentary and a few interviews. His thorough understanding of the five wisdom energies (or Buddha families) allows a unique lens through which the reader can appreciate both the works and the teachings more fully. The art is beautifully presented\, with a both a detail and the whole piece in each chapter. While it would make a wonderful text for a college course in art appreciation\, it is also accessible and entertaining for the casual reader. When a book opens windows and doors and encourages one to “Look\, Look\, Look\, Look\, Look Again\,” the invitation cannot be refused. The reader need not be an art savant or a Buddhist (or even know much about Buddhism) to derive deep enjoyment from this truly unique work. Well done. \nKevin’s brilliant sense of humor is on display as he takes the reader on a wild journey through an intersected corridor of art\, art history\, and Buddhist wisdom told while exploring the Five Buddha Families / Wisdom Energies as they manifest through a fantastic selection of female artists. Kevin makes art\, meditation\, and the dharma feel very near and accessible to all. \nThe people have spoken. They love you\, Kevin. \nPlease join us on May 9 at 7p ET for a free webinar with Kevin. He’ll talk about each of the wisdoms and there will be time for conversation. \nRegister here. \nIf you haven’t read his book\, please do. You can find it here. You’re welcome. \n  \nA B O U T   K E V I N: \nKevin Townley is a writer/performer\, and has been studying Buddhism since 2010. He currently practices with the Sokuko-Ji Zen community under the guidance of Kyoun Sokuzan. Kevin completed the Interdependence Project’s teacher training program in 2012. He is passionate about exploring the interplay of meditation and art-making while encouraging others to bring their own innate humor and insight to their meditation practice. His first book Look\, Look\, Look\, Look\, Look Again: Buddhist Wisdom Reflected in 26 Artists was published by Lionheart Press.
URL:https://openheartproject.com/event/look-look-look-look-look-again-buddhist-wisdom-reflected-in-26-artists/
CATEGORIES:Special Events,Susan's Calendar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240515T190000
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DTSTAMP:20260411T224342
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SUMMARY:Free info session May 15: learn about our 2024 Meditation Teacher Training Program
DESCRIPTION:Meditation Teacher Training\nSeptember 7 – November 16\, 2024\nReserve your spot in the info session here. \nPlease join me 7:00p ET-8:00p ET on May 15 to learn about the Open Heart Project 2024 Meditation Teacher Training program which begins September 7.  We will talk about the curriculum\, course requirements\, and how (in my opinion) the teaching path is the richest path of all–whether you go on to teach or not! \nWe are lucky to live in a time when meditation is easily accessible and no longer positioned as new age bs. When I began to practice 30+ years ago and told family and friends that I was a meditator\, they thought I had joined a cult. Now one can learn to meditate in schools\, hospitals\, fitness clubs\, and even on an airplane. (A flight I took recently had a “calming meditations” channel.)\n \nOne of the reasons meditation has become so mainstream is because science says it’s good. Thank you science! Thank you for the extensive research you’ve done over the last few decades  to prove that meditation can regulate blood pressure\, lower the stress hormone cortisol\, help with pain management\, insomnia\, and all manner of things. \n \nHowever… While appreciating that a few decades of research into meditation has concluded beyond doubt that “there’s science behind it\,” we may forget that 2500+ years of Buddhist (anecdotal) research has also proven that meditation doesn’t just help manage so-called negative mind states\, it actually gives rise to extraordinarily positive ones. Western science may have deconstructed depression\, pain\, anger\, and so on–but on the Buddhist side\, compassion\, wisdom\, and fierce courage have been deconstructed. If you stop and look\, you will see that a very precise path has been laid out that explains exactly how to get there. \n \nWeirdly\, these steps are almost always left out of meditation teacher trainings. I guess people think it sounds too woo-woo. That is sad to me because teachings from the Buddhist path–the very teachings that gave rise to the practice we now know as mindfulness meditation–are what give the journey meaning and power beyond what can be described.\n \nI’m so extremely happy to offer a Meditation Teacher Training program that brings the practice together with foundational Buddhist teachings. This 11-week program begins September 7. All the details are here. \n \nAt the May 15 info session\, I’ll be online to talk it all over with you. I’ll share details about the curriculum and answer any questions you may have. After the info session\, I’m offering a limited amount of 15-minute Zoom meetings with me to talk together one-to-one about any remaining concerns.\n \nIt would be great to see you there! Please register for the info session here. A recording will be sent to all who register so don’t worry if you can’t join live. \nI hope to see you there.
URL:https://openheartproject.com/event/free-info-session-may-15-learn-about-our-2024-meditation-teacher-training-program/
CATEGORIES:Live Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T100000
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CREATED:20240404T130024Z
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SUMMARY:Heart Sutra Day-Long Retreat
DESCRIPTION:May 18\, 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm\nAustin\, TX\nA Day of Practice and Contemplation of the Heart of Transcendent Wisdom\nCost: Pay What You Can\nSuggested Donation: $50\nLunch Included\n \nThe Heart Sutra (or Prajnaparamita Sutra) is one of the most meaningful texts in all of Buddhism. Prajna means wisdom and paramita is variously translated as “perfected” or “transcendent”. So this text is about the ultimate wisdom. In a way that is both direct and inscrutable\, it lays out the path to liberation from suffering.  \nIn this one-day program\, we will practice meditation and review the text\, line by line. The version we will discuss is here. You’ll see that it’s not particularly long. \nThe point of this gathering is not to master the text intellectually\, but to develop a feeling for it. Though I’ve recited it for close to 30 years\, I’m not sure I understand it any better today than when I first read it–but my relationship to it grows deeper and deeper in ways I can’t describe. It exerts a kind of magic. It points the way to enlightenment. It explains emptiness. In a very concise way\, it shows us what to do to be fully alive.  \nOne of my favorite lines is: “Since there is no obscuration of mind\, there is no fear.” The Heart Sutra points the way to clarifying the confusion that underlies all our fears.  \nIf you’re interested in learning more and considering how you might incorporate the Heart Sutra into your personal practice\, please join me on May 18 for a one-day exploration in a small\, supportive group. \n \nSuggested offering is $50 but please contribute what makes sense to you. \nMay 18 \n10:00 am-5:00 pm \nIncludes lunch \nLocation: 504 Powell Circle\, Austin \nLimited to 15 students
URL:https://openheartproject.com/event/one-day-heart-sutra-retreat-in-austin-texas/
CATEGORIES:Live Event,Susan's Calendar
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SUMMARY:THE SPRING SESSIONS: Fearless Creativity: a Meditation and Writing Retreat in Austin
DESCRIPTION:WHAT: A 4-day writing and meditation gathering that’s specifically designed to: \n\nSupport you to get a lot of writing done\nReview meditation as a stand-alone practice and a support for creativity\nGive you the time and space you need to write\nOffer insights from my 15-year career as both a writer and a teacher\nLeave you with a 3-step daily at-home meditation and writing practice\nDemonstrate how your wisdom and creativity respond when you take a break from the busy-ness of everyday life\n\nIn addition\, there will be an optional evening gathering for all who wish to explore the enneagram! \nIt is a rare and precious thing to take time for yourself and your voice in this way. Bring your journals\, laptops\, writing projects\, ideas\, and intentions. \nWHEN: May 22-26\, 2024 \nWHERE: My house in Austin\, Texas \nCOST: $1\,850.00 \nLimited to 13 participants. \n(including 1 full scholarship) \nApplications are now open.\n(a $500.00 deposit is required to hold your spot)\n \n  \nTo apply for a scholarship\, please submit your application by April 1\, 2024.\nWe will get back to you by April 8. \n \n  \n \nThis program is for…\nWriters of all kinds\, including those who say “I’m not a writer.” (If you’re writing\, you’re a writer.) \nI have taught Fearless Creativity at residential retreat centers for over a decade. Past attendees have included memoirists\, novelists\, poets\, bloggers\, songwriters\, screenwriters\, and people with a professional commitment to a writing project (like a textbook or a how-to manual). \nParticipants have completed stories\, figured out plot points\, started new projects\, surprised themselves with a new creative direction\, and finally written about what is most important. \nThis program is for you if you long for the time and space to listen to your own voice and sink into a project with the support of a teacher\, a specific schedule\, a community\, and lots (and lots) of tacos. Not to mention\, beautiful weather in Austin. \n \n  \nHow does it work?\nThis program is by application to make sure that our gathering works for all. \nWe will meet each day at my sweet\, sunny home in Austin\, Texas. Our days will begin with meditation and then we will settle in for writing. (A detailed schedule is below.) Between the living room\, kitchen table\, two guest bedrooms\, large screened-in porch\, and my small meditation and writing studio in the backyard\, we will each find a comfortable spot to work. \nWhere will I stay?\nYou are responsible for getting yourself to Austin and finding accommodations. Once your application is accepted\, I will provide a list of nearby Airbnbs and hotels at a variety of price points. \nThe house is an easy 15-20 minute drive from the Austin airport. \nWhat about food?\nLunch is included (there will be vegetarian\, vegan\, and gluten-free options). Coffee\, tea\, water\, juices\, and light snacks will be on hand throughout the day. \nBreakfasts and dinners will be on your own. I will provide a list of great restaurants in a variety of neighborhoods\, at a variety of price points. \nOn the last evening\, Sunday\, you are invited to a dinner together (included in your fee). \nWhat is the schedule?\nThe schedule is designed to give you a combination of structured time\, personal space\, and connection with your fellow writers—and some time to enjoy Austin. \n \nMAY 22\n6:30p – 8p Opening session at my house: introductions\, overview\, discussion \n  \nMAY 23\n630a – 730a Optional swim at Barton Springs \n9a – 1030a\nMeditation\, journaling (instruction will be given) \n1030a – 1230p\nAM personal writing session \n1230p – 2p\nLunch (at my house; included) \n2p – 230p\nMeditation \n2:30p – 4p\nPM personal writing session \n4pm – 5pm\nDiscussion: how did your day go? \nDinner: on your own \n  \nMAY 24\n630a – 730a Optional swim at Barton Springs \n9a – 10a\nMeditation\, journaling \n10a – 12:30p\nAM personal writing session \n12:30p – 2p\nLunch (at my house; included) \n2p – 2:30p\nMeditation \n230p – 4p\nPM personal writing session \n4pm – 5pm\nDiscussion: how did your day go? \nDinner: on your own OR option to stay for an evening discussion of the enneagram \n  \nMAY 25\n630a – 730a Optional swim at Barton Springs \n9a – 10a\nMeditation\, journaling \n10a – 12:30p\nAM personal writing session \n12:30p – 2p\nLunch (at my house; included) \n2pm – 2:30pm\nMeditation \n2:30p – 4p\nPM personal writing session \n4p – 5p\nDiscussion: how did your day go? \n5:30p Dinner together at True Food Kitchen (included) \n\nMAY 26\n630a – 730a Optional swim at Barton Springs \n9a – 10am\nMeditation\, journaling \n10a – 12p\nAM personal writing session \n12p-130p  Lunch (at my house; included) \nFarewells! \nCost and other details\nIncluded: The retreat fee is $1850 and includes practice and study that unfold from Wednesday – Sunday. We will spend about 25 hours of retreat time together. Lunches\, snacks\, tea\, and coffee are included as well as dinner on Saturday\, May 25th. (We will go somewhere with options for vegetarians.) \nNot Included: Other meals\, travel\, and accommodations. I will make a list of great places to eat and listen to music—Austin is such a wonderful place and I want these retreats to be both deeply serious and completely joyful. \nRetreat is a precious opportunity to disconnect from the day-to-day and give your wisdom mind and loving heart a chance to relax\, open\, and discover something deeper. I look forward to accompanying you on the journey. \nThese retreats are small and personal to ensure a cohesive group.\nA $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot. \n  \nTo apply for a scholarship:\n \n\nFrom past participants in Susan’s in-house retreats:\nI had an incredible experience attending the meditation retreat with Susan Piver held in Austin this June. I was skeptical that a non-facility event would create a similar atmosphere and connections made at a facility designed for retreats. The intimacy of being in someone’s home and Susan’s abilities made this the best retreat I have attended. We became a group of people that might not have ever joined to gather under any other circumstances that bonded under Susan’s guidance and we all accomplished what we needed to for that time. It was a special retreat that will stay with me. –Joell\, Longwood\, FL \nBeing in Susan’s home with 12 others opened me and my heart…It was the perfect container and helped me to connect the way my meditation practice has supported me and carried me through some of the hardest times of my life.  It is what has opened my heart and softened me in a way that allows me to bring love and compassion to people and experiences in a way that I don’t think I would have been able to otherwise. –Barb\, Livonia\, NY \nWill I need a car?\nIt depends where you stay. I live in the heart of South Austin right on a bus line. It is also easy to call Uber or Lyft. The house is 2 miles from downtown Austin\, so plan accordingly if you’d like to stay there. \nWhat should I bring?\nBring your journal\, laptop\, and comfortable clothes for lengthy sittings and writing sessions. I will supply meditation cushions\, chairs\, and whatever is needed for group meditation practice. \nIf you want to go swimming with me in the mornings\, pack a bathing suit and towel. (There will be time after our swim to go back to where you’re staying to shower and change.) \nWhat is included in the price?\n\n4 program days of writing\, meditation\, and community (and fun…you can’t come to Austin and not have fun)\nMeditation instruction and conversation about spirituality\n4 lunches (healthy\, with vegetarian\, vegan\, and gluten-free options)\nCoffee\, tea\, juices\, water\, light snacks throughout the day\nAn evening enneagram workshop\nDinner on the evening of May 31st\nMeaningful conversation with Susan and your fellow writers\nA chance to finally get your project moving\n\n \nWhat is the refund policy?\nA refund will be offered (minus the deposit) if you cancel by April 22\, 2024. \nWhat if I have other questions?\nEmail us! Happy to answer any questions. \nFAQs\nWhere is your house? What neighborhood is it in? \nThe house is on Powell Circle in South Austin\, just south of Oltorf and South First streets. \nResidential and quiet but very close to restaurants\, shops\, and the nightlife of South Congress Ave (aka “SoCo.”) \n  \n \n \n \n  \nCan you hook me up with a roommate to help defray some of the expense? \nMaybe. The application form has a space to indicate if you’d like a roommate. If there is more than one of you who does\, I’ll introduce you and you can take it from there. \nWill Susan read and critique my work? \nNo. I will supply the time\, space\, environment\, and rhythm for you to write your heart out\, but I am not a writing teacher. Rather\, I’m a well-published author who has some sense of the vagaries of the writing life (including the path to being published). I’m happy to share what I’ve learned along the way to support you. \nIf there are those who want to get together on their own in the evenings to share work\, that is an option. \n \nI love the idea of a morning swim. Will it be cold? How will I get there and is there a fee? \nBarton Springs is a huge in-town\, spring-fed pool and it is truly my happy place. The water is 68 degrees year-round. There is a parking lot. It is a short Uber/Lyft ride from either my neighborhood or downtown Austin. (Especially at 6:30am!) There is no fee before 8:00 am. \nWill I have to come to your house in my wet bathing suit? \nNo\, there will be time to get back to wherever you’re staying to shower and change. \nWhere will we go to eat on May 25th?\n \nWe will be going to True Food Kitchen in Austin. \nHope to see you there! Love\, Susan \nIf you have any questions\, please contact us\, here.
URL:https://openheartproject.com/event/the-spring-sessions-fearless-creativity-a-meditation-and-writing-retreat-in-austin/
CATEGORIES:Live Event,Susan's Calendar
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