Edward Viljoen: Everything they say is true

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Everything they say is true

By: Edward Viljoen on Saturday, January 12, 2008

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"I am at peace with my world. I give thanks for my life and all that is in it."

Everything?

Well, it seems I still I have a whole list of things I am not at peace with.

Other people' opinions about me, for example. Still. Still on the list.

I had a giant point of view dropped down on me today and I noticed my feelings were hurt and the opinion lingered like a somber gargoyle peering down at me right into the place where it was supposed to be holy and worshipful.

If I take everything that is inside the opinion, its not so bad, really. And its not that no one has ever thought this or other critical thoughts about me before...

I try this "what if its true?" In that question's answer I sometimes find the painful spot where the gargoyle's claw is lodged in my shoulder, long enough its been there that it's a dark poisonous ache.

It's so humbling to practice gratitude for moments when someone aims a flashlight at your gargoyle. What gargoyle? No demons here!

"I am at peace with my world. I give thanks for my life and all that is in it."

2 comments:

Allan YeagerJanuary 11, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Love the blog.

Re other people and their opinions, a certain pastor I know (you) said, "God has chosen you to be you. I love that." So do I.
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JackJanuary 15, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Gargoyles protect us from demons... so embrace what is true and the the gargoyle tear up what is untrue and then he can carry it away and it shall be no more...
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Bhagavad-Gita For Beginners

The Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God Retold in Simplified English is the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library. This unique edition of the timeless epic is designed to be accessible for readers without any prior experience of Hinduism. Not merely a translation of the original, Viljoen has simplified and restated the Gita’s complex ideas, so that a first-time reader can fully appreciate the scope and beauty of this magnificent Indian classic. Written in concise, modern language, the retelling vividly captures the power and depth of the original work.

Reviews

“While goodness, kindness, compassion, and faith might seem like ordinary concepts, when it comes to actually living them in the face of life’s daily challenges, it’s easy to get stuck. Edward Viljoen has given us a gentle, illuminating, compassionate guidebook to living from the goodness that lies at the heart of who we really are.”
—Alan Seale, founder of the Center for Transformational Presence, and author of Create A World That Works and Intuitive Living

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—Randall Friesen, publisher of Newt List Books

Edward Viljoen was a recent guest to my radio show, "In The Spirit." I had read his book, "Ordinary Goodness" and was happy to talk with him about it. I like the way he inserts stories from his own life to illustrate various points. In this cynical age, this book is a tonic a guide to live a good life by being good to others. We cannot be truly happy until we do. Thank you, Edward for bringing a much needed topic to our attention.

—Gary Goldberg, host of In The Spirit

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“Edward Viljoen’s new book, The Power of Meditation, is a gift. It serves as a practical guidebook for those who are new at spiritual practice, as well as a beautiful reminder of simplicity and essence for those who have been engaged in spiritual practice for a lifetime. Edward helps us find the strength we need to be present with whatever life brings. He takes the reader by the hand, dispels the mysteries, and makes this elusive thing called meditation very real and doable.” —Alan Seal, author of Create a World That Works