How our practice can help with a broken heart (Part 1)
November 11, 2024 | 14 CommentsAudio 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 about the impact of this book more than anything I have ever written. I am gratified to know it is useful. (Last year, I updated the audiobook version because I own those rights. I wanted to update the book with some of the things I’ve learned over the last decade and also include some meditations. You can find it here if you’re interested.)
I have three basic suggestions for how Buddhist wisdom can help with heartbreak. Of course, no one has to be a Buddhist to derive benefit from them. In this video, I share some thoughts about the first suggestion (the subsequent videos over the next couple of weeks will contain reflections on the other two).
I hope you will find this of benefit. Please let me know what you think—it is always so valuable to hear from you.
With love, Susan
categorized in: meditation, open heart project
14 Comments
Thank you for this, in this trying, trying week.
I’ve been reading many of the Buddhist masters for hours every morning , looking for the practical wisdom that you ( a modern master) are sharing with this recording.
Please know how much you’re helping❤️🩹
<3 I so appreciate this message, Lisa.
Love. This is very needed ,after last week. While I was meditating I felt like I was holding a crying infant to my heart, the infant being my heart.
A broken heart is also an open heart,isn’t it?
35 years ago my son died. My heart was broken , broken and also opened.The concept of sitting with it,rather than immediately trying to fix it, is very near to my Buddhist/Pantheist heart.
Thank you
Oh, Helen. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss–and extremely appreciative and respectful of your astonishing bravery. With love, S
Just what i needed this morning! Thank you
You are so welcome, Katja. <3 S
Thank you! I need this after this election. I felt the settling
We are in this together. <3 S
Thank you Susan. I read your book in 2009, I believe, shortly after my wife of 35 years had died. It was one of the few books I read that struck a chord, a note in the sadness. I just got a copy of the Audible version, and am very curious about the changes you have made.
Another kind of pain and hurt is going on these days, so I am so happy you are touching on this.
Oh, Glenn. I did not know about this loss. I am so sorry to hear of it and so grateful that you somehow remain on the warrior’s path. Sending love always, Susan
My wife of 27 years left me during the pandemic. I was devastated. So much changed for me in so many ways. Most of them were confusing and painful. Luckily I finally thought to try meditating using your Start Here Now book and my life has changed. I’m so grateful for my meditation practice and by extension you. Thank you from my open heart ❤️
Carl, thanks so much for sharing this. I’m glad you have been able to somehow work with this very, very difficult situation. Thank you for staying with the process and with yourself. With love, S
I am reeling at the results of this election and even more, that so many people voted for hate and destruction. I’m struggling to practice and find ground. Thank you and the Open Heart Project. For everything.
I share your struggle, Kelly. It is so very difficult and destabilizing. Let us keep practicing together. Much love, Susan