How to make (real) magic with your meditation practice
June 2, 2025 | 12 CommentsAudio only version is here
Meditation begins at 11:24
Hello wonderful Open Heart Project,
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 been unable to glimpse thus far. Something new has to appear. Like I said, magic.
He said, “oh, it’s simple. All you have to do is make offerings, request blessings, and dedicate the merit.”
These steps actually create magic. Not woo-woo wizard hat magic, but what some Buddhists call “ordinary magic.” When I begin my meditation by making offerings (as described in the video), attempts to use my practice for self-improvement fall away. Instead, I enter into some kind of mysterious dialog with wisdom greater than my own. My practice becomes, not about trying to “fix” myself, but a wish to relate more deeply to the brilliance of what inspires me. I relax. I feel more spacious about who I am and what my life is about. I see a different reality. Like I said, magic.
Three simple steps. Today I share some thoughts about the first one, making offerings. We’ll cover the other two in subsequent videos.
Thoughts? I always love to hear them.
With love,
Susan
categorized in: magic, meditation, open heart project
12 Comments
Thank you so much for this Susan. I clicked on the link in your email today (having fallen out of practice), feeling frazzled and yearning for a moment of ritual and peace. I feel so settled and soothed and grateful. Sending love to you x
I am so very happy to hear this, Kylie! Glad we can practice together. With love, S
Dear Susan, this was so needed for me during these intense times- to offer, to remember – to recognize the deep connection we have with something bigger and wiser . To offer , to remember we are not alone in all this and to deepen our relationship with the spiritual even more so. Thank you and I await the next two videos 🙏
Sending so much love, Stephanie. <3 S
Thank you Susan for offering ways to strengthen the practice of meditation.
What stood out in this talk(as well as creating a reverential and beautiful physical space) was when you said to offer your whole being (which I take as not just the favored parts) in order to access greater wisdom.
Sending love.
Thank you for your practice, Diana! <3 S
Thank you Susan for this eloquent heartfelt meditation. The spiritual is so important to me and grounding through the breath. Thank you for your inspired and “real” leadership that delivers such gifts.
You are so welcome, Sarah. Im glad we can practice together. <3 S
After a couple of weeks of traveling, during which I missed the last session of Inexplicable Magic, I am catching up – this week’s video slips seamlessly into that material. One thing I know about myself is that I glom wholeheartedly onto the words/writings/videos of teachers for whom I hold high regard. That is an important trust. You brought me up short with the importance of “Don’t take my word for it,” in the last class. I have been a faithful follower of a couple of teachers, and have grown to trust their teachings (you are one). I am recognizing that some of what my mind recycles are simply the ideas of revered teachers; although I can recognize when an inner gong rings, when the thoughts have become part of my own canon. And with this short talk, I am looking at my little shrine with different eyes. Yes, there are things that invoke meaning, but that meaning is within me. Seeing them in front of me when I sit really is seeing a kaleidoscope of memories, affection, heart-tugs, aspirations – and these ARE me! Little old me – okay, not all of me, but some of the significant bits. Whenever I take in important teachings like this (the inner gong, again), I am reminded that I am always just starting my path, and that’s okay.
It is such a joy to practice with you, Sue Ellen. Thank you for your devotion to your practice, your honesty, and your bravery. Love, S
Thank you for being do grounded and real. This session is what I needed today to bring me back into the simplicity of grounded practice.
So glad to hear it, Gwendolyn. <3 S