Several years ago, I was wrapping up teaching a particularly wonderful week-long meditation and writing retreat. My small group (about 15 people) had committed to spending 7 days in the Rocky Mountains to learn to meditate and work on their personal writing projects. There were no phones, TVs, or internet service. To cap off the sense of remove, we had an early October blizzard. The skies opened up and dropped two feet of snow on the land, effectively closing up all roads leading into or out of our retreat center. The outside world of 24/7 stimuli was officially barred. Our writing blossomed. Our connection to meditation practice was potent.

As part of my “going home” talk, I strongly suggested to anyone who wanted to continue to meditate that they find a meditation instructor, someone with whom to discuss the ups and down of practice because we all need support to keep on track. I suggested visiting a local Shambhala, Zen, or Vipassana center to find such an instructor. One of the students raised her hand and said, “I live in a small town in Nebraska. We have no such places. What should I do?” There were nods from some fellow students, also from small towns—in Kansas and Utah and Mississippi. I had no good answer for them.

It was then and there that I realized how much I wanted to do something to help. Of course most people do not live near a dharma center! And even if they did, it is not easy to walk into such a place, cold. It would be easier if the meditation instruction could come to them so they could give it a try without shyness.

By coincidence, over the following weeks, I received emails from others looking for support for their meditation practice—in Bosnia, Brazil, and New Zealand. A guy in Bosnia had been reading books by Chogyam Trungpa and Sakyong Mipham and had been practicing on his own for over two years, but had no one to ask questions of. A woman in Brazil had a meditation community—in Albuquerque, NM. Since relocating to Brazil for work, she wasn’t sure how to retain the connection. And the woman in New Zealand had read my book, The Wisdom of a Broken Heart, and wanted to apply its lessons to her life. From these emails and the experience in Colorado, the idea for The Open Heart Project—a way to offer meditation instruction to anyone, anywhere, anytime—was born.

The Open Heart Project was created to help you learn to meditate, stabilize your practice as an everyday part of your life and, if you feel so inclined, to go further. By applying the insights of practice to every part of your life, you will discover your unique path and find the bravery, tenderness, and joy to live authentically.

It is free. Sign up here.

Why is it called The Open Heart Project?
Meditation is a powerful antidote to the speed, anxiety, and overwhelm that we contend with day after day, hour after hour. But it is so much more than a stress-reduction technique. It is a spiritual path. A regular meditation practice provides a counterbalance to another potent 21st century malady: self-doubt and the fear that lies behind it. When self-doubt and fear are pacified, confidence in yourself and compassion for all beings (including yourself) arises spontaneously. This is how we are wired. When such confidence and compassion arise, we come into possession of the spiritual warrior’s most potent weapon: fierce gentleness. We are not afraid to walk through this world with an open heart.

With an open heart, we can change the world.

Who is Susan?
I have been practicing in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage since 1995. In 2004, I graduated from a Buddhist seminary and am an authorized meditation instructor. I’m also the New York Times bestselling author of 6 books on love, creativity, and spirituality.

Susan Piver is a deeply intuitive and innovative thinker. She has both tenderness and acuity regarding what concerns us. I could not recommend her more highly. (You have got to love it when) Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way (says something like this about you.)

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Some nice things people have said
My meditation practice began quite clumsily. It was not fun to watch, as I struggled to stop moving…keep my eyes still…and quiet my mind. I read everything I could find on meditation, and that brought me to Susan Piver. How lucky I was to find such a grounded, authentic individual, who’s meditation teachings spoke to my heart. Susan’s virtual meditation guidance came to me “free” of cost; yet I felt as though I had invested my life and all it’s worth to get it. That was approximately six months ago. Meditation has given a new voice to my heart and soul, and become part of my every day love. It is no longer a “chore”…but now an “almost” effortless gift I give to myself each day! -MD

Thanks for The Open Heart Project. It came into my life at the absolute perfect time. I have been saying I want to meditate for years and never made it work. I’ve been on sabbatical with some extra time, so it’s fit into my life. I’m preparing to start my own business, helping people clear clutter, both physical and mental. When I was meditating at first, I found I was so judgmental of myself. Your words to come back to breath after noticing that I’ve been thinking, and do that kindly was an “aha” moment for me. I have to let go of judgment of myself before I can do it with others. I cannot help people well if I am judgmental of them.Thanks so much for sharing your gifts with the world! -LK

Your meditation tips have been so awesome and helpful. It is refreshing to hear that you get aggravated and annoyed, just like the rest of us. Not that I want you to be aggravated and annoyed. It is just nice to know that I am not the only one. That I am not alone. -LA

It is a great comfort to learn meditation from someone who is both inspiring and down to earth. I suffer from anxiety and have found that using your meditations are enormously helpful in gently encouraging me in a healthier direction. I love meditating along with someone else in my own home. Many heartfelt thanks. -MD

I so look forward to your emails. Every day you send one it seems to fit perfectly for that day. I first came across you last year when I read your book The Wisdom of a Broken Heart. It helped me through a rough patch, and I came out a better person. Please keep up the good work. I love meditating with you, as I am new to meditation. -CT

I have wanted to meditate for some time. I tried different books and cds, but nothing ever felt right or clicked for me. I often wondered if I was “doing it right”, or if I was being too picky, or expecting too much, or if I just had a commitment problem, or… etc etc etc. But YOU, wonderful Susan! You have taught me to meditate! You make me LOOK FORWARD to meditating! And I no longer wonder if I’m doing it right. I sit with you and it feels good. I let go and I breathe, and it has made me feel so peaceful. Meditating is helping me to be calm, and to think before speaking, and to notice beauty in the world, and these are all things I struggle with. Thank you for your generosity with your time and your wisdom. Thank you for the Open Heart Project. -LG

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