Spiritually Blue:The Dharma of Depression

50% off for Open Heart Project Sangha members. Click here to join the Sangha and receive 50% off this and many other wonderful programs that are included in membership.

About

Spiritually Blue is an opportunity to contemplate depression from what may be a new angle: as a source of richness. We will explore the connection between meditation practice and strong emotions. We will learn how to make room for so-called “negativity” as a workable mind state.

Each week’s class will offer meditation instruction, experiential exercises, rich discussion, practical tools, and clear, doable “homework.”

By the end of this, you will have, perhaps, a new way of looking at depression and a meditation practice that can support you as you do so.

CURRICULUM

Week One: Feeling
What does depression feel like?
How can meditation help?
What is meditation? What is it not?
Benefits
The 3 biggest misconceptions
Mindfulness and Awareness
How to meditate
Q&A

Week Two: Being
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
What role can sadness play on the spiritual path?
Feeling your feelings without a narrative overlay
How music can help
Q&A

Week Three: Touching
Finding stability in the instability
The role of loving kindness
Loving kindness meditation (a variation on)
A review of the obstacles to meditation practice and their antidotes
Q&A

Week Four: Warriorship
What is the genuine heart of sadness?
How can depression/sadness be a support to the spiritual warrior?
Where to go with it all
Q&A

FAQs

I am chronically clinically depressed—can this program help me?

I don’t know. If you are under medical treatment for a depressive disorder or any other psychological condition, you must check with your healthcare provider before enrolling in this program. (Meditation is not appropriate for all people at all times.)

I can’t make some (or all) of the classes because I am in a different time zone/have to work/will be too tired (and so on). Can I still benefit from the class?

Yes. All sessions will be recorded and a link sent out to all participants within 24 hours of the class. You will have a chance to send in questions you’d like Susan to cover in the next class.

I may not be able to keep up with the class due to work, travel, or family reasons. If I miss a week will the material be accessible for a while?

Yes. The material will be posted for two months after the class finishes so you will be able to visit and revisit the material as often as you like.

I am interested in meditation, but I am NOT interested in religion. Will the class require me to learn any doctrine or accept particular beliefs?

Absolutely not. Doctrine and beliefs are an obstacle to meditation. You can benefit from the practice if you are Christian, Hindu, Pagan, atheist, and so on and on. There is no conflict.

I want to take this class but the timing is not good for me. Will Susan be offering it again?

She may, although at this time there is no plan to do so.

I’ve never taken an online class. Do I need any special equipment or software?

No. The class will be held using the Zoom platform. You will receive a link to join each class via email. All you need is an internet connection.

About Susan Piver

Susan Piver is a Buddhist teacher and the New York Times bestselling author of nine books. A student of Buddhism since 1995, she graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004 and was authorized to teach meditation in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage in 2005.

She teaches workshops and speaks all over the world on meditation, spirituality, communication styles, relationships and creativity.

In 2011, Piver launched The Open Heart Project, an online meditation community with nearly 20,000 members who practice together and explore ways to bring spiritual values such as kindness, genuineness and fearlessness to everyday life.

Registration

50% off for Open Heart Project Sangha members. Click here to join the Sangha and receive 50% off this and many other wonderful programs that are included in membership.

Program members will also have access to a private members forum for sharing ideas and feedback with each other.  Susan will also be posting weekly discussion topics and comments.

All sessions will be recorded and a link sent to members within 24 hrs. of the live class. The recordings will be made available for 60 days from the last class date.

No cancellations.

Questions? Please email Michele.

SPACE IS LIMITED!! Please register now to reserve your spot.