How to Stay Grounded in a Time of Transition (Step Six)

November 28, 2022   |   14 Comments

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 16:08.

Dear Open Heart Project,

I’m so happy to send you the sixth video in our eight video series on supporting ourselves during times of transition with the noble eightfold path. We have already discussed Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood.

Right View and Right Intention comprise true wisdom. Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood describe how to live an ethical life. Now we turn to Right Effort which, together with Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration explain how to work with our minds. After all, no matter how elegant our conceptual understanding, without a way of working with our thoughts and emotions, we remain unable to bring that understanding into experience.

Right Effort is not about working harder. I’m sure you’re already working as hard as you can. Rather, it has more to do with diligence and never giving up on yourself. Please have a listen to this short talk (followed by a guided 10-minute meditation) and let me know what you think! I always love to hear from you.

Sending much love, Susan

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14 Comments

  • Posted by:  Jared Goldman

    Thank you for your efforts. The Buddha’s earliest teachings were an expedient means to prepare his disciples to be able to grasp his true teachings yet to be revealed. I hope you deepen your understanding of the Buddhist doctrine. The Lotus Sutra was Shakyamuni Buddha’s highest teaching.

    • Posted by:  Susan Piver

      okay, then.

    • Posted by:  Shelly Dicks

      dude. really?

  • Posted by:  Mindi Blaxberg

    Dear Susan
    I’m really grateful for your teachings. Immensely enjoying this series and have shared with several others. May you have much success, internally and as you guide awareness, technique and enlightenment to others. Thank you!🙏
    All the Best,
    MindiMeira

    • Posted by:  Susan Piver

      So glad you’ve enjoyed the series!

  • Posted by:  Jitske van Oosterom

    Hi Susan,

    I’m wandering about something, heaving trouble with how to see – experience ‘old’ pain in a Buddhist way that is workable. An open heart, compassion for ourselves and others and the wisdom that arises from knowing ourselves so well, that we also know our wounds. Can we protect ourselves wisely? And how to do so?

    Love, Jitske

    • Posted by:  Susan Piver

      Jitske, I share your questions. The best thing I can say is to be gentle toward yourself in all cases. With love, Susan

  • Posted by:  amy oliff

    I loved loved this Susan, thank you!!
    So warmly and wisely said AND so useful.
    love to you, always

    • Posted by:  Susan Piver

      and to you, always!

  • Posted by:  Ana Buede-Fletcher

    Many thanks for your invaluable sessions, Susan. You are a great communicator and I treasure your contributions and also try to share the wisdom in them through my work as a teacher and also in wider circles.

    Very best wishes to you.

    Ana

    • Posted by:  Susan Piver

      Thank you for the kind words, Ana. And my very best to you!

  • Posted by:  Donna

    I love your wisdom. And like how you break down the teachings in a practical and meaningful way.
    Thank-you!

    • Posted by:  Susan Piver

      So glad to hear this, Donna!

  • Posted by:  ML

    Thanks for this detailed explanation and instructions associated with right effort. It was very useful and I’ll recall this talk often. Or at least make an effort to! 🙂

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