SUSAN’S
Blog

7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person: Part 3

February 13, 2023   |   4 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 16:14. Dear Open Heart Project, I’m so glad you are signed up for this video series: The Seven Qualities of the Dharmic Person. Today we discuss the third quality. The first quality, passionlessness, was discussed here. The second, contentment, can be found here. This third quality is called fewer activities. It seems that... READ MORE

7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person: Part 2

February 6, 2023   |   5 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 12:11. Dear Open Heart Project, Hello! I hope you are well. This video is the second in this series, “The Seven Qualities of the Dharmic Person” (aka you). These qualities arise organically from our meditation practice. The first quality, passionlessness, was discussed here. I include the link in case you missed it/are... READ MORE

7 Qualities of a Meditator: Part 1

January 30, 2023   |   26 Comments

Audio-only version of talk is here and audio-only version of meditation is here. Dear Open Heart Project, I hope you are well! I’m so delighted to offer you the first video in a series called: Seven Qualities of a Meditator. As you may know (or will discover if you are new to meditation), a consistent practice not only helps manage... READ MORE

On the importance of lineage

January 23, 2023   |   2 Comments

Dear Open Heart Project, Hello! I hope your week is off to a good start (or end, depending on when you see this). This week, instead of a video, I thought I’d share some thoughts on what can help keep our practice in the realm of sacred. This does not mean holy or precious. It means transformational. In my training,... READ MORE

About my Daily Ritual

January 15, 2023   |   20 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 7:46. Dear Open Heart Project, I try to meditate every day. But because I am a human being, it does not always work out. When I am unable (or unwilling! human being!) to practice, I notice a distinct difference in the way my day rolls out. It feels bumpier, less integrated, heavier.... READ MORE

1-9-23

January 9, 2023   |   16 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 11:00. Dear Open Heart Project, Hello and welcome to a new year. It is a delight to practice meditation with you. Before today’s 10-minute sit, I share some thoughts about what we are really doing when we practice meditation. Spoiler alert: It’s not about self-improvement! Or fixing anything! It’s way better than... READ MORE

With gratitude for you and our practice together…

December 25, 2022   |   32 Comments

Dear Open Heart Project, Instead of a meditation video, I thought I’d send you a note to wish you a happy, healthy, joyful new year. I hope you will experience all the blessings of your path in 2023 and always. At this time of year, it is tempting (and understandable) to think about what we want to create, build, change,... READ MORE

How to Make Magic: Part Three

October 17, 2022   |   15 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 11:55. Dear Open Heart Project. Magic takes shape in three ways: Outer Magic, Inner Magic, and Secret Magic. Today, I offer you a short talk on cultivating magic on the so-called secret level. It’s not a secret from you, particularly. I suppose it is referred to as “secret” because it is invisible.... READ MORE

How to Make Magic: Part Two

October 10, 2022   |   16 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 13:31. Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I am happy to offer you this short talk on Inner Magic. Magic takes shape in three ways: Outer Magic, Inner Magic, and Secret Magic. Today, I offer you a short talk on cultivating magic on the inner level. Thoughts? I always love to hear from... READ MORE

How to Make Magic: Part One

October 3, 2022   |   12 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 11:45. Dear Open Heart Project, Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you and yours are well and safe. I so appreciate your responses to our recent series on painful emotions. If you missed it or want to rewatch the videos, they are here: Anger Attachment Shame Jealousy Anxiety Distrust Hatred Despair... READ MORE

Painful Emotions and Creating Real Change

September 19, 2022   |   6 Comments

Dear Open Heart Project, The recent series of videos about working with strong emotions struck a chord with so many of you. Understandably! There are so many painful situations on planet earth right now. At the same time, there is so much possibility. The great writer and thinker Catherine MacCoun, author of my favorite book in recent memory, On Becoming an... READ MORE

The Six Paramitas: Wisdom

January 3, 2022   |   6 Comments

Audio-only version is here. Meditation practice begins at 22:53. Dear Open Heart Project, Happy new year! It is a delight to send you this sixth video in our series on the six paramitas or transcendent actions. Don’t worry if  you missed previous videos, you do not have to go back and start at the beginning. However, if you’d like to,... READ MORE