How to make (real) magic with your meditation practice: Part 2
June 9, 2025 | 4 CommentsAudio 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 can relax our self-criticism (which self-help is built on), even to some small degree.
The first step, as mentioned, was to make offerings. Today we look at the second step which is to request blessings. From whom or what? That is up to you. The more personal, the better. This is about your lineage. Your ancestors. Your longings. There are beings who have come before who embody what you now seek. To request their blessings (which is actually a very traditional thing to do) is to deepen your connection to them and the magic of true transformation.
Don’t take my word for this! Or anything! Please have a listen to this talk and then make up your own mind. That is of utmost importance.
Thoughts? I always love to hear them.
With love,
Susan
categorized in: magic, meditation, open heart project
4 Comments
The naming of recipient(s) of my requests for blessings has sometimes been a bit of a struggle for me. What rings my inner gong today is the idea of going “beyond conventional notions,” which flashed in me the prajnaparamita, “Going beyond, going way beyond, going far, far beyond,” from the Heart Sutra. One translation that I’ve heard was a little different: “Falling apart, falling apart, falling completely apart, nothing to do, everything all at once.” I do feel that they are very similar, with conventional concepts/ideas/suppositions falling apart, getting beyond them – and therein maybe the magic lies. I have been an avowed skeptic, and indeed am more likely to take magic with a grain of salt and not a little suspicion. But that is about magic that seeks to put one over one me, to fool me or hide something. I learned in the recent course not to fear the inexplicable, but to relax and in its nature (or non-nature). This magic seems very different from the magician’s trickery, more like opening to whatever is “beyond.” I apologize for the rambling, confusing thoughts. Thank you as always, Susan, for offering your wisdom.
Dear Susan, Though I’ve heard “this teaching” from you before, what deepened for me was the appreciation of my being surrounded by wisdom…from my lineages, from my heart, and from my stillness. And, that the magic rests in that space….beyond conventional knowing.
And, I just want to also appreciate Sue Ellen May’s statement “an avowed skeptic, and indeed am more likely to take magic with a grain of salt”. I feel like your talk today, Susan, made a small crack in my skepticism.
Thank you once more for your heart teachings.
Betsy, somehow it seems that a skeptic who has softened has discovered a new super power – of course, while still keeping that edge. Or not. 😉
Dear Susan,
I so appreciate this talk. Always amazed how often I need reminders of the fundamentals of practice. You explain in ways that touch my heart, brings tears to my eyes & connects me to my inner knowing. Deeply grateful to be on this path, to have confidence in unexplainable magic and your guidance. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻