The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Six: Right Effort

The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Six: Right Effort

Author: Susan Piver March 20, 2026 Duration: 29:59

Send us Fan Mail

This week we explore Right Effort, the sixth step of the Noble Eightfold Path. While the earlier steps guide how we understand reality and how we act in the world, Right Effort begins to turn inward. It concerns how we work with our own mind and inner life.

Right Effort does not mean pushing harder or forcing yourself to improve. It begins with a commitment not to give up on yourself. From there, it becomes a practice of directing your energy wisely, caring for your inner world, and recognizing that even difficult states of mind can contain seeds of wisdom.

In this episode, I explore Right Effort through three lenses: foundational, relational, and transformational.


Highlights

  • Why Right Effort is not about striving or pushing yourself
  • A personal story about learning not to give up on myself
  • The role of daily structure in supporting what truly matters
  • How meditation helps us reclaim agency over our attention
  • The effort required to remember our shared humanity
  • What it means to “look deeply” at difficult emotions
  • How anger, desire, anxiety, and spaciness can contain seeds of wisdom


Music After Party

For the after party, I share a short song called Regular Rabbit by Stephen Spencer. He writes songs based on stories told by his young daughter, and they capture something simple and reassuring about being human. This one brings me joy every time I hear it.

You can also listen here.

Watch this episode on video
If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is coming soon.

Thoughts?
You can send your questions or reflections via Instagram DM or through
our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes.

Get your copy of The Buddhist Enneagram
From March 10 – April 10, you can receive 30% off the new physical edition of
The Buddhist Enneagram when you order directly from Shambhala Publications. Use code ENNEAGRAM30 at checkout. If this book has been on your reading list, or if you know someone who might benefit from this perspective on the Enneagram, this is a great time to pick up a copy. Buy yours

If you enjoyed this episode:

Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.

For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me.

If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com.

Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.com

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project 


In Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver, ancient wisdom meets the messy reality of modern living. Susan Piver, drawing from three decades as a student of Tibetan Buddhism and her experience guiding the nearly 20,000-member Open Heart Project meditation community, acts as a thoughtful companion rather than a distant teacher. This isn't about scholarly lectures; it's a conversation. You'll hear explorations of foundational concepts-the four noble truths, the six paramitas, and more-but always through the lens of direct, personal application. The focus is on how these teachings can resonate in the middle of a busy workday, within complex relationships, or during moments of quiet doubt. Each episode of this podcast feels like a genuine discussion about integrating contemplative practice into all aspects of life, from physical health and spiritual curiosity to navigating everyday stress. The aim is to move past doctrine and into direct experience, offering practical insights for cultivating resilience, compassion, and a sense of groundedness. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or simply curious about a more mindful approach to fitness, health, and personal growth, Susan's guidance is both accessible and deeply authentic. Tune in for a perspective that values lived understanding over belief, creating space for clarity and an open heart amid the noise.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 52

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver
Podcast Episodes
Why You’re Not Meditating Consistently (and What to Do About It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:11
Send us Fan MailIn 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.…
True Compassion or Idiot Compassion? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:27
Send us Fan MailIn Buddhism (as in most wisdom traditions), compassion is central—but it’s often misunderstood. It’s not about being nice, it’s about being awake. True compassion is wise, fierce, and rooted in awareness.…
Who Can You Trust in the Spiritual World? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:32
Send us Fan MailTrusting a spiritual teacher is one of the most important—and complex—decisions on the path. This talk explores three personal experiences: one with a brilliant but inscrutable and controversial teacher,…
Inexplicable Joy: Emptiness, Compassion, and the Heart Sutra, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:02
Send us Fan MailIn the previous episode, we discuss a teaching that is central throughout the Buddhist world: the Prajnaparamita sutra, also known as The Heart Sutra. While being utterly confounding, at the same time it…
Inexplicable Joy: Emptiness, Compassion, and the Heart Sutra, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:08
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss a teaching that is central throughout the Buddhist world: the Prajnaparamita sutra, also known as The Heart Sutra. While being utterly confounding, at the same time it is a per…
The Four Noble Truths and the Middle Way: Foundations of the Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:56
Send us Fan MailThe Buddha’s Early Life & AwakeningSiddhartha was a protected prince, shielded from suffering by his father.He encountered old age, sickness, and death for the first time during a trip outside the palace.…
The Broken Hearted Meditator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
Send us Fan MailPerhaps contrary to popular belief, meditation does not make us feel all zen. Rather, it actually makes us feel more deeply.Discussed in this episode:Meditation Heightens Emotions – It doesn’t numb feelin…
On Road Rage and Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
Send us Fan MailIn this (embarrassing) episode, long-time Buddhist practitioner Susan Piver describes an episode of road rage (her own) and the moment her rage turned into compassion. Spoiler: it has nothing to do with r…
How to Meditate (and Avoid the Biggest Misconceptions) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
Send us Fan MailThis episode provides a deep and practical exploration of meditation, defines meditation as something more than mindfulness, it also includes awareness. Common misconceptions are enumerated. The key takea…
On Meditation: An Uncommon View [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:04
Send us Fan MailMeditation is most often described as a self-help technique that will support you to improve performance, reduce stress, manage pain, and sleep better. All of this is true. Thank you, science! However, as…