Which one are you in right now?

In this episode, I explore the six realms of Buddhist cosmology which can be understood as both literal places of rebirth and psychological states we all experience. I also mention how this might help us contextualize the chaos and cruelty of our current political situation in the US. The realms include:

The God Realm - A place of complete abundance where beings have everything they desire but no motivation to seek enlightenment

The Jealous God/Asura Realm - Beings with power and resources consumed by covetousness and aggression, always fighting for more. And more. (Sound familiar?)

The Human Realm - The most fortunate realm with the right balance of suffering and ease for spiritual development. Yay us!

The Hungry Ghost Realm - Represents insatiable desires and cravings that can never be fulfilled

The Animal Realm - Characterized by basic survival needs and limited spiritual capacity, yet capable of love and connection

The Hell Realm - A place of constant suffering with no relief, glimpsed through our experiences of heartbreak and witnessing suffering

Resources Mentioned:

• "A Guided Tour of Hell" by Sam Bercholz - Featuring descriptions and visual depictions of the hell realms
• Join my meditation community, the Open Heart Project Sangha, to practice together and learn how to apply these teachings to everyday life. Would be great to see you there!

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project

Why do we turn to meditation when things fall apart—and what are we really supposed to do with all these overwhelming emotions?

In this short episode, we explore three powerful ways to relate to difficult feelings like anger, fear, and anxiety: as afflictive; as bridges to compassion; and as hidden forms of wisdom. All three ways are accurate, though usually only the first is described in Buddhist writings.

In this episode, you’ll hear about how to work skillfully with emotional intensity, not necessarily by escaping it, but by uncovering the fierce clarity and deep humanity that may lie beneath.

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project

In this episode, Susan reflects on one of the most common meditation struggles: staying consistent. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I just do the thing I know is good for me?”—this episode is for you.

The surprising truth? It’s not a discipline problem. It’s a misunderstanding of what meditation really is.

Main Topics Covered:

The Real Reason Consistency is Hard

• It’s not about willpower.
  
  
  
• Most people approach meditation as self-improvement—but it’s actually a spiritual practice.
  
  
  
• Self-help says: “Something is wrong with me.”
  
  Spiritual practice says: “I am already whole.”
  
  
  

Three Spiritual Anchors for a Deeper Practice

• Make Offerings
  
  Small rituals (light a candle, burn incense) open your heart to mystery and devotion. They move the practice from “What can I get?” to “What can I discover?”
  
  
  
• Request Blessings
  
  Call in your lineage: spiritual teachers, ancestors, artists, activists—anyone who’s shaped your path. You’re not sitting alone.
  
  
  
• Dedicate the Merit
  
  Offer the benefits of your practice to all beings (including yourself!). Whatever happens during your session—delight, frustration, sleepiness—it can be of benefit, even though we may not be able to imagine how.

Three Practical Supports for Consistency (aka The Three Jewels)

These are the classic Buddhist “refuges,” and they’re also the structure we need to stay steady:

• Buddha – Your own awakened nature. Sitting down to meditate is a reconnection with this.
  
  
  
• Dharma – Study, reflect, journal—contemplate the deeper why behind your practice.
  
  
  
• Sangha – Practice with others, even virtually. Community is often the missing key.
  
  
  

Final Takeaway:

Consistency doesn’t come from willpower—it comes from aligning with meaning.

When meditation is treated as a way to open your heart rather than a way to “fix” yourself, a deeper magic is glimpsed.

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project