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8 Steps to Stop Suffering: Step 1 is…

June 3, 2024   |   6 Comments

Audio only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 16:14.

Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you are well and enjoying this series of videos on foundational Buddhist teachings. The idea here is not to make you (or anyone) into “Buddhists” but to draw from this extraordinary wisdom what can be applied to your life. In the last few weeks, we talked about the first three of the Four... READ MORE

I’m torn by emotions. How can I rid myself of grasping?

May 20, 2024   |   11 Comments

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Meditation begins at 13:51

Hello, I hope you and your loved ones are well and finding moments of joy. Before today’s 10-minute meditation, I share some thoughts about the second noble truth of Buddhism, the cause of suffering. Suffering is said to be caused by grasping (or craving).  That means we are out of luck because most of us are riddled with wanting, desire,... READ MORE

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

May 13, 2024   |   11 Comments

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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

If your meditation is not making you more peaceful…

May 6, 2024   |   24 Comments

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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

How can I find a (trustworthy) teacher?

April 22, 2024   |   8 Comments

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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

Magic is real. Here’s how I know: Part 3

April 8, 2024   |   10 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:30

Hello Open Heart Project, I recently read an article about a new meditation app that purports to offer meditation instruction via AI generated content meant to teach Dzogchen and Mahamudra. My friends, I literally could not sleep that night. I was so upset. Dzogchen and Mahamudra are among the highest teachings in all of Buddhism. They are never taught without... READ MORE

Magic is real. Here’s how I know: Part 2

March 31, 2024   |   6 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 21:16

Hello, I hope you are well! Last week, I mentioned that there were three steps we could take to keep our practice firmly rooted in the realm of the spiritual–the mysterious, the sacred, the deeply personal–rather than the realm of self-help which can turn quite aggressive. Our practice is so powerful, but the real scope is glimpsed only when we... READ MORE

Magic is real. Here’s how I know.

March 25, 2024   |   39 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 11:53

Hello wonderful sangha, A long time ago, I was talking to my own meditation teacher (of now more than 30 years) about how to create an environment that invites the magic of transformation. Like most meditation teachers, I want to help you go beyond whatever your current challenges may be. To do so, you have to see something you have... 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

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