December Theme: Sacred World

Dear Open Heart Project sangha,

I have never been more grateful to be in a sangha with you as I am right now. As we enter more deeply into an unprecedented time, I see how committed you are to moving through the world with an open mind and an open heart, even though it may seem exceedingly difficult to do so. It is. At this moment, each of us is navigating something very intense, whether US election-related, environmental upheavals, and/or personal losses. I’ve been especially in awe of those of you who are holding more than one such circumstance. I send you so much love.

I’ve also been aware of fear and uncertainty about how to share space with those who may  have deeply divergent views from our own. It  is very meaningful to rest in and allow for (no matter how briefly) the fear and uncertainty while also remaining clear about your own perspective–which you have every right to. Still, we can be in a sangha together.

We may have very clear ideas about what this or that teaching means but where does it all go when we disagree vehemently? Don’t like each other? Are unable or unwilling to recognize each other’s suffering? Harbor the idea that sangha is supposed to be a safe place for me? It is not, if by “safe” we mean a place where we are permitted to divide the world into us and them. 

On the other hand, it is the safest place in the whole world when “safe” is defined as a place where heartbreak and emotion are viewed as sources of wisdom from the realm beyond conventional thought. If you’ve ever wondered why people say that, of the three jewels, sangha is most difficult, this is why. Sangha is where the teachings must come to life in a very personal way. Now is the time when it  is all possible.

So, here we are. Together. While recognizing that there are times (very rare but vastly important) when firm lines must be drawn in the name of ethics and compassion, let’s do everything we can to remain in conversation with each other. Let’s find a truer meaning of compassion. Let’s make space and draw lines. This is the warrior’s path. It is the way to change the world and I am not even exaggerating. 

All of this is relevant to our theme this month, Sacred World. I sat down this morning to record a talk for you when I realized that, unbeknownst to me, I had already given the talk. It is fully expressed in the webinar I hosted on November 20, called “Invoking Magic.” In it, I discussed the importance of connecting to the sacred world via ritual, offerings, blessings, and lineage. If you were at the webinar or viewed the recording, thank you! I hope you will enjoy re-watching. If you weren’t able to make it, I hope you will enjoy it too. 

I feel very strongly about the ideas expressed here, so much so that they will inform much of what we practice and study in 2025. (Please look for an end-of-year letter from me after Christmas, going over some highlights of 2024 and sharing what is planned for 2025.)

May all be auspicious! 

With love,
Susan

PS The video here does not include the Q&A portion of the webinar. If you’d like to listen to it, please visit our archive here.