When my friends and coworkers started asking me to lead a meditation group, I began researching a number of certification programs across the country. It happened that the Open Heart Project was hosting their next class in just two weeks and I knew I had to apply. I was familiar with Susan Piver and felt a deep trust in the wisdom of her teachings. I'm so glad I was accepted into the program because Susan and Jenna are extraordinary teachers who complement each other so well. The program strengthened my knowledge of the practice and offered me valuable tools in teaching others. I also loved my classmates and the energy they brought to each class. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to deepen their own practice and share it with others!

I am very grateful for The Open-Heart Project- Meditation Teacher Training program for teaching me the skills and knowledge on how to provide meditation instruction that is simple and easy to understand. Susan and Jenna’s approach to teaching meditation gave me the confidence to provide instruction in a variety of settings. Susan and Jenna are very knowledgeable and supportive in helping me to understand everything about teaching.

The Open Heart Project - Meditation Instructor Training program has taught me how to instruct meditation and consider other important things and behaviors that impact my life. I am an activist, yoga teacher, workshop leader, and the practice of meditation has calmed the noise in my mind, and enhanced my daily life. There is more order in my life; more realistic compassion for others and myself; and a heightened awareness of being present. How did this occur, you might ask? Well, the study of meditation not only taught me how to sit and follow the breath, but also how to examine the patterns or ways of being that have hindered my path. Susan and Jenna are marvelous teachers! They share their confidence and knowledge in a facile, and relatable way. As the training progresses you come to understand that this course is a gift.

The Open Heart Project’s Meditation Instructor Training Program has been a gift! Through this program, I have grown in my own personal practice and have received the knowledge and encouragement to share this simple yet profound technique with others. I am certain that the experience of this program will continue to benefit me in ways I have yet to see for years to come.

Through Shamatha meditation I have been able to find my quiet, sacred space in much broader and noisier spaces. Shamatha meditation has supported me in walking with and through daily stress in a very different way and it's not because my stress has gone away. Since I've started practicing Shamatha, I have found that no matter where I am, I am able to take quiet moments to sit quietly with my eyes lids lowered, go within, feel my breath and be at ease and gentle with myself. And, because my eyes are opened; others around me are unaware that I am in meditation and I think that's so cool. I am so looking forward to sharing this practice with my students. Again, many thanks to you both for your gentleness, steadfastness, compassion, empathy, and most all, for teaching me and inviting me to be a part of this beautiful tradition.

Thank you Susan and Jenna, so much. I am so thankful to be on this path with all of you at OHP. I don’t really have the words right now for my level of gratitude. I cried when I received this though! (instructor certificate) I just realized I had my first weekend meditation class in April of 2009, a decade ago, something just feels very special about this for me. It was an amazing, unexpectedly life changing journey and I am truly joyful to keep going, together, along the path. I have found sangha, and a really deep trust that had been kind of lost for awhile, thank you. I feel good that I can share the transmission from this space and keep growing into my own practice. With love, warmth and a deep bow.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to become a Meditation Instructor under the wisdom and guidance of Susan and Jenna. I am a gym owner and endurance coach for athletes so I understand what it takes to teach a group of individuals. Teaching is no small task, especially when your students are literally from all over the world with very varied reasons for why they are participating in your class. Susan and Jenna were able to teach in a clear and concise way while creating a loving and personal space for all of us to learn and develop as instructors. Their instruction was organized and professional while being simultaneously warm and flexible based on our individual needs. I graduated from the course feeling fully prepared to share this beautiful meditation practice with my students. Since completing the course I have had the honor to teach meditation to many different people and right from the first instruction I was able to share the technique clearly and completely because of the wonderful instruction I had been given in the course. It is truly an honor and joy to be able to share Shamatha Meditation with others and I am grateful to be so well prepared. Thank you Susan and Jenna for your teaching and support. Thank you most for the continued gifts of your love, positive energy and wisdom.