Susan Piver's Blog, page 16

Cultivating a Compassionate Mind: Step 2

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 17:03.

Dear Open Heart Project,

Last week, we discussed the first of four qualities that help cultivate a compassionate mind: Affection for the World, which doesn’t mean liking everything or pretending to; rather it means being present for everything. This week, we discuss the second: Faith in the Right Situations.

What is faith? Faith has very interesting connotations in the Buddhist world, focused less on “belief” and more on the present moment and everything you’ve learned up to this moment. What are the right situations? The right situations are not what we project onto reality. The right situations are reality itself, which has qualities that are constantly moving. It’s beyond our belief systems.

Please have a listen to hear more.

With love, Susan

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Info Session Video on Fearless Creativity: A Writing & Meditation Retreat

Thanks to all who joined for the info session on our upcoming in-person retreat, Fearless Creativity, in Austin, TX from May 28 – June 1, 2023.

A few times a year, I teach small, in-person retreats (limited to 12 people) in my house in Austin, TX. They offer a chance to practice together more deeply, allow our minds to rest, and discuss the journey. And eat tacos!

Whether you think you’re a “writer” or not, if you have a longing to say something…share something…craft something…express yourself in some known or unknown way…rest back into your creativity—this gathering is for you.

Retreat attendance is by application. Because space is limited and these retreats tend to fill quickly, a deposit is required. We will let you know within a day or so if you’re accepted and if, for any reason, you’re not, your deposit will be returned in full, immediately. Note: One full scholarship is offered.

All the details are here.

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Cultivating a Compassionate Mind: Step 1

NOTE!! When I made this video, I had a black eye—as you can see. I slipped on ice! It looks worse than it felt and I totally fine now   xoxo S

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 13:36.

Dear Open Heart Project,

It is an honor to send you this first of four videos in a series called “Cultivating a Compassionate Mind.”

Is it possible to do this? Is it even desirable? You have to figure out your own answers. I hope these videos will assist you in that regard.

This video brings to mind the passing of Thích Nhất Hạnh who was the most extraordinary advocate for and teacher of compassion. He taught that love, whether sweet or fierce, was always possible, even in the most dire of circumstances. I feel that in some small way, to examine how to cultivate the mind of compassion is a tribute to him.

In the Buddhist view that I have studied, the mind of compassion arises under four circumstances:

Affection for the WorldFaith in the Right SituationsWarmth for Sentient BeingsBravery

I look forward to exploring it all with you.

With love, Susan

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Info Session Video on Meditation Retreats

We enjoyed talking with you about the power and possibility of a deep meditation retreat.

I remember the first time someone suggested I go on a long meditation retreat. No way, I said. Sitting there doing nothing for days on end? I have way too much to do in my life for that. Also, what if they try to indoctrinate me into a cult? If I hate it, how can I leave? How do I even get there?! It all sounded frightening. “It will be the best thing you’ve ever done,” they said in response. So I decided to take a chance and go.

I spent months telling everyone in my life I’d be gone for TWO WHOLE WEEKS. I reminded them constantly. I made complex preparations for my absence. When the day came to leave, I got on a plane feeling like I was leaving my entire life behind, perhaps to come back and find it in shambles.

The day before the retreat ended, I thought THIS IS THE BEST THING I’VE EVER DONE. I never wanted to leave. When I came back home and told everyone how great it was, the general response was “oh cool, we didn’t know you were gone.” Not only was my life decidedly not in shambles, I felt fully re-energized to dive back into it. Best of all, my meditation practice had turned into something I could not have imagined.

Now, when I have a student who wonders how to stabilize and deepen their practice, I say: Go on a retreat. I realize not everyone can do this. There are definitely concerns related to money, work, and family. But still–if you can ever go on a retreat, whether in person or online, for a day or a month…it will be an astonishingly fruitional experience.

Note: I did not say relaxing. What happens is nuanced, robust, and revelatory, Why? What exactly happens on meditation retreats?

Will you have to sit for hours on end? (No.) Will you have to master foreign religious concepts? (No.) How do you know what retreat to choose and, as important, what kind of teachers to trust? I mean, there are a lot of spiritual shenanigans out there and it’s important to be prudent.

We answer lots of your questions in this info session. We hope you enjoy it and if you’re wanting to take a retreat this summer with us, we’ll be at Drala Mountain Center this July. All the details are here.

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7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person: Part 7

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 13:36.

Dear Open Heart Project,

Today we wrap up this video series: The Seven Qualities of the Dharmic Person. The first quality, passionlessness, was discussed here. The second, contentment, can be found here. The third, fewer activities, is here, the fourth, good conduct, is here, and the fifth, awareness of the teacher is here. The sixth quality of propagating prajna (or wisdom) can be found here.

Now we explore the seventh quality, “attitude of goodness.” What could this possibly mean during this very uncertain time? Please know that it has nothing to do with “thinking positively” (not that there is anything wrong with that) or denying whatever sorrows or confusions you may experience. All of it can be included in this 7th quality of dharmic person.

This concludes our series, but have no fear! You’ll hear from me next week with more thoughts on how to create a more sane world for ourselves and those we love. Not to mention, everyone else.

Thoughts? Always love to hear them!

Love, Susan

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7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person: Part 6

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 13:15.

Dear Open Heart Project,

I’m so glad you are signed up for this video series: The Seven Qualities of the Dharmic Person. The first quality, passionlessness, was discussed here. The second, contentment, can be found here. The third, fewer activities, is here, the fourth, good conduct, is here, and the fifth, awareness of the teacher is here.

Today we explore the sixth quality, propagating prajna (or wisdom). In this short video, I share some ideas about the meaning of true wisdom and how your ability to manifest and share it is not something you even have to try to come by…the capacity arises naturally from our meditation practice itself.

Quick reminder: don’t take my word for this (or anything)! Have a listen, investigate these ideas, test them in your life and, then, what you find to be true is now your own wisdom. What you cannot corroborate, you can leave behind. After all, your own mind is the true teacher. And with that, I have just given away the whole secret of where true prajna resides.

Thoughts? Always love to hear them!

Love, Susan

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7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person: Part 5

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 13:06.

Dear Open Heart Project,

I’m so glad to continue sharing with you this series on the 7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person, or Meditator. The first quality, passionlessness, was discussed here. The second, contentment, can be found here. The third, fewer activities, is here and the fourth, good conduct, is here.

Now we look at the fifth quality, awareness of the teacher. Such awareness naturally arises when one encounters wisdom that cuts through habitual patterns to create transformation, inspiration, and wakefulness. Sometimes that wisdom comes from an actual human being/teacher—but other times the “teacher” arises in books, experiences, or even within your own thought processes. In other words, I’m not talking about teacher-worship but about awareness of what or who is actually teaching you.

Thoughts? Always love to hear from you!

Love, Susan

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7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person: Part 4

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 10:28.

Dear Open Heart Project,

I’m so glad you are signed up for this video series: The Seven Qualities of the Meditator, aka, Dharmic Person. The first quality, passionlessness, was discussed here. The second, contentment, can be found here. The third, fewer activities, is here. This week, we come to the fourth quality, good conduct. Good conduct is not about being a goody-goody but has more to do with bringing mindfulness and awareness into every aspect of your life.

Please have a listen to this short talk and let me know what you think! I always love to hear from you.

Love, Susan

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Buddhist Immersion and Meditation Teacher Training info session: Feb 18

Audio only here.

Thanks so much for joining me to talk about the Open Heart Project’s Buddhist Immersion & Meditation Teacher Training. In this info session, I shared the inspiration behind this program, what you will gain from it, and an overview of the curriculum, class-by-class. All the program details are here, including how to apply.

If you’d like to continue the conversation by booking a time to speak one-to-one via Zoom, you may do so here. There are slots available on Feb 20 and Feb 22.

PLEASE NOTE: Anyone from today’s session who chooses to apply before March 1 will get the early bird price (which expires on Feb 19).

After the session was over, I was actually a little buzzed! I am very excited to open this conversation with you about foundational Buddhist teachings, how to deepen and stabilize your personal practice, and how to share it with others responsibly should you wish to do so. The main point I wanted to make was this is the real deal. The world needs more practitioners and teachers who approach meditation as a spiritual practice, not only as self-help or the latest life-hack. It would be an honor to go on this journey with you.

With love,
Susan

This document recaps all the information discussed in the info session.

 

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7 Qualities of the Dharmic Person: Part 3

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 16:14.

Dear Open Heart Project,

I’m so glad you are signed up for this video series: The Seven Qualities of the Dharmic Person. Today we discuss the third quality. The first quality, passionlessness, was discussed here. The second, contentment, can be found here.

This third quality is called fewer activities. It seems that as our practice progresses, we become less and less interested in, well, BS (of lack of a better phrase). We naturally focus more and more on what is essential, important, and meaningful. As with all the Qualities, you don’t have to try to accomplish them; they arise on their own. Please have a listen to this talk to learn more.

Thoughts, questions? I always love to hear from you.

Love, Susan

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