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6 ways to create more sanity and balance (for real)

December 15, 2024   |   2 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation practice begins at 10:14

Dear wonderful Open Heart Project, I know it’s crazy out there. Whatever your beliefs or politics, it is not easy to feel certain about the future and how we are going to bridge the many divides in our countries, our neighborhoods, even our homes. It can seem impossible, I understand. However, according to Buddhist thought, it is definitely possible. All... READ MORE

How to become fully consistent in your meditation practice. I promise.

December 9, 2024   |   8 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation practice begins at 9:18

Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you are well and finding sources of love and support in your world and in your heart. Before today’s sit, I share with you the reason (IMO) 99% of people who wish to meditate have difficulty with consistency. It simply cannot be so that 99% of people lack self-discipline! It must be something... READ MORE

Meeting difficult moments with wisdom: 3 suggestions

December 2, 2024   |   14 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation practice begins at 11:22

Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you are finding sources of love and support during these unprecedented times. According to Buddhist wisdom, when we suffer sorrows and anger, we may reflexively react in three ways that actually increase our suffering. They are called the 3 poisons. Bad news: they’re poisonous! Good news: They’re optional! Please have a listen and... READ MORE

How our practice can help with a broken heart (Part 3)

November 25, 2024   |   12 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)

November 18, 2024   |   9 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)

November 11, 2024   |   14 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 recognize that so many of us are feeling heartbroken right now, whether it shows up as sobbing, rage, numbness, or all of the above. I get emails and messages... READ MORE

Four actions to help alleviate anxiety

October 21, 2024   |   8 Comments

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

Compassion fatigue and being loving while also angry: it’s possible.

October 14, 2024   |   14 Comments

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

How is it possible to practice during a time of stress and anger?

October 7, 2024   |   8 Comments

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

How (and why) to accept the unacceptable (aka impermanence)

September 29, 2024   |   10 Comments

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

What to do about “monkey mind”?

September 9, 2024   |   2 Comments The sitar player said, “If I tune the strings too tightly, they break. If they are too loose, no sound comes out.” “Just so,” replied the Buddha, “you should hold your mind in meditation.”

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

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

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