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Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Path to Spiritual Possibility

Have you ever looked at what you have and felt it simply wasn’t enough? Too little money, too much weight, too little love, too much pain. These feelings can tempt us into frustration, even resentment. But what if those moments of "not enough" weren’t the end of the story? What if they were the beginning of possibility?

Sometimes, when faced with challenges, it’s tempting to adopt a mindset of lack or complaint. It’s easy to focus on what’s missing instead of what’s present. But shifting your perspective—choosing to see the potential in what’s there—can transform how you approach life’s challenges.

Count the Blessings You Already Hold

The practice of gratitude isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about turning our attention to the good that is present, however small, and letting it multiply. Start simple:

  • I have shoes on my feet.
  • I ate food this morning.
  • My temperature is normal.

Each small blessing builds on the next, shifting our mindset from scarcity to abundance. Try it now—think of one thing you’re grateful for. It might seem small, but in that moment, you’re tuning into the presence of spiritual potential.

Practice: The Bridge Between Moments

Gratitude and openness are powerful tools, but they aren’t one-time fixes. Like any skill, they require practice. Spiritual abundance flows when we regularly take time to reflect, whether through meditation, prayer, or simply a pause to refocus. Even a single moment of mindfulness can yield extraordinary clarity and courage.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I open to the possibilities in this moment?
  • Can I release my attachments to how things “should” be?
  • What beauty or opportunity might I discover here?

Practicing these questions regularly helps us stay connected to the deeper truths of life, even when they feel messy or incomplete.

It’s Okay to Begin Again

We all falter. Sometimes, life feels overwhelming, and we lose sight of our practices. But the beauty of spiritual work is that it’s always there, waiting for us to return. You can always start again whether it’s been days, months, or years. Each moment is an opportunity to reconnect, to see potential, and to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Tomorrow, we’ll gather to explore these ideas further, diving into the power of gratitude, openness, and possibility. Whether in person or online, we hope you’ll join us at 9 or 11 am at the Center for Spiritual Living or via YouTube. Together, let’s take a step toward living in spiritual abundance.

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If You Only Had Fifteen Minutes


Dear Spiritual Community,

Picture this: you're allowed to share your beliefs on national television, but you have only fifteen minutes to convey what you truly stand for. No time for explanations, just a chance to express your inner truth. Isn't that a fascinating challenge? As we navigate our spiritual paths, clarifying our beliefs is dynamic and ongoing. The journey itself is as important as the destination.

Our beliefs evolve and transform, much like we do. Even if we had ample time to prepare, we would hold these beliefs lightly, allowing them to adapt and flow with the currents of our lives. Imagine understanding your beliefs so deeply that you could share them confidently with others while ensuring they resonate authentically within you.

I often remind myself of Neale Donald Walsch's words: "There is no truth except the truth within you. Everything else is what someone is telling you." Through exploring ordinary goodness, kindness, compassion, and faith, I've uncovered a path that has illuminated my personal beliefs and values. These four pillars have become the foundation upon which I build a life of purpose and significance.

It's crucial to acknowledge that what we believe today reflects where we stand, the challenges and joys we encounter, and the consistency of our spiritual practices. We must possess the courage to question our beliefs and scrutinize their validity.

I'd like to share what I presently believe, with the hope that it may inspire you to embark on your journey of self-discovery:

In a world where uncertainty prevails, our innate goodness is a beacon of strength, guiding us through life's twists and turns. By embracing ordinary goodness, kindness, compassion, and faith, I find the resilience to navigate life's challenges and the joy to celebrate its triumphs. Today's beliefs are a snapshot of our ongoing evolution, influenced by our experiences, reflections, and dedication to growth.

As you read these words, consider your journey. You might be seeking answers, celebrating your successes, or overcoming obstacles. Whatever path led you here, know that your inherent goodness is a force that can empower you to face life's demands and discover your next meaningful step. Additionally, remember that our world craves examples of ordinary individuals living their lives rooted in belief and goodness, one moment at a time.

Let's continue this journey together, fostering a community of seekers and believers who uplift and inspire. Our beliefs are not static; they breathe, change, and adapt, much like the human experience. As we embrace our beliefs, let's also embrace the process of refining and reshaping them as we grow.

Edward




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Saturday, November 16, 2024

Openness, Appreciation, and Flexibility, the Pathway to Spiritual Abundance

at the Open Installation, by Olafur Eliasson

The Power of Openness: Seeing Beyond What’s in Front of Us

When Danish artist Olafur Eliasson created an art installation called Open, he invited visitors to engage with their surroundings in surprising ways. Mirrors multiplied the space infinitely. Light changed how objects appeared. Colors shifted, revealing the unexpected. More than art, it was a question: Am I open? Am I open to seeing the extraordinary within the ordinary?

Openness is about curiosity—choosing to see what’s possible when it feels like life is saying “no.” Amanda Gorman, born with a speech impediment, could have let that "no" define her. Instead, she stayed open, nurturing her creativity and finding her voice in poetry. That openness led her to the world stage as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, inspiring millions with her words. Imagine what’s possible when we embrace openness in our own lives.


The Power of Appreciation: Starting with What We Have

The loaves and fish on hand in the well-known story of Jesus feeding the multitudes were laughably insufficient. Yet Jesus appreciated what he had before giving the formula for experiencing spiritual abundance.  

Appreciation is like that. It shifts our focus to possibility. I remember sitting in my first apartment with little more than a plastic fork and plate, feeling sorry for myself. Then I started to count my blessings—quietly, silently, finding one thing at a time to appreciate. There was carpet. It was quiet. I had a job. The act of gratitude didn’t change my circumstances overnight, but it transformed me. It built strength and hope where there had been doubt.


The Power of Flexibility: Turning “No” Into “What else is possible?”

Life doesn’t always go the way we hope, and sometimes the “no” feels final. Wilma Rudolph, diagnosed with polio as a child, was told she’d never walk again. She didn’t fight the “no”; she adapted, leaning into her resilience and flexibility. Not only did she walk—she ran, and she became an Olympic champion. Her story is a testament to the beauty of flexibility: the ability to move with life, seeing potential even when circumstances seem impossible.


A Community Rooted in Possibility

At the Center for Spiritual Living, we explore these ideas together, discovering ways to nurture openness, gratitude, and flexibility in our lives. We believe spiritual abundance isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions—it’s about finding beauty and opportunity in life just as it is.

Join us and Dr. Edward Viljoen tomorrow at 9 or 11 am, in person or online via YouTube, as we delve deeper into these practices. Together, we’ll uncover how to live abundantly, even in an endlessly changing world. Whether through Sunday services, educational programs, or shared community, you’ll find tools to bring greater meaning, peace, and connection into your life.

Let’s meet in this moment, as we are, and explore the abundance waiting to unfold.

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Saturday, November 9, 2024

Seeking Sanctuary in Trying Times – Join Us This Sunday at CSL Santa Rosa

Come As You Are

Whether you're celebrating, grieving, or simply in need of connection, CSL Santa Rosa is here to hold you in love and solidarity. Come as you are and join us as are.  I invite you to take refuge in the Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa. 

Take Refuge in the Community

During these times of uncertainty, post-election tensions, and societal shifts, it’s easy to feel unmoored, anxious, or even disillusioned. If you find it challenging to stay grounded, you’re not alone. This week’s address offers a space to lean into the community and find a gentle sanctuary for whatever you feel.

Dr. Edward Viljoen, alongside messages from esteemed speakers like Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith and Dr. Cynthia James, will explore how we can hold onto our vision for a compassionate, inclusive world—even when that vision feels difficult to imagine. Drawing upon timeless values and spiritual mind treatment, we’ll talk about how to honor both the light and shadows within us, recognizing that true spiritual growth calls us to be real about our feelings without letting them consume us.

Anchored in Compassion for Self and Others

Our gathering will feature music, prayer, and silent contemplation, guiding us into a spirit of unity and peace. Together, we’ll reflect on the wisdom of staying engaged with life from a calm, centered heart. The words shared will encourage us to be active participants in the world we wish to create—anchored in compassion, courage, and a vision of a world that works for all.

Join us in person or online this Sunday at 9 and 11 am.

Let this Sunday’s message be a balm for your heart and a reminder of your strength. Find comfort, find community, and let’s move forward in unity.

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Saturday, October 26, 2024

Power, Purpose, and Connection, Sunday, October 26, 2024 with Edward Viljoen

This Sunday, we’ve got something for everyone! Whether you prefer an early start or a slower morning, join us at 9 AM or 11 AM for an uplifting service exploring the power of personal and collective action.

Dr. Edward will explore inspiring stories—like a community coming together to rescue a soccer team trapped in a flooded cave—and explore how small actions, when combined with others, can create real change. Drawing from Ernest Holmes and Bruce Lee, we’ll look at how creativity, compassion, and clarity can ripple outward, touching generations, just as Irena Sendler’s courage did during WWII.

We’ll also hear about how shared efforts, like the Ice Bucket Challenge, demonstrate the strength of collective intention, and we’ll connect these ideas to civic engagement, showing how our spiritual values align with voting and action that create a world where everyone thrives.

After the 11 AM service, stay for our Pumpkin Carving Party! Bring your own pumpkin and carve it with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to connect, share laughs, and make fun memories with the community.

Can’t attend in person? Join us online from the comfort of home on our YouTube channel: Watch here.

Whether you join us in person or online, this Sunday offers a chance to reflect on what matters most—aligning actions with values and connecting with others. We look forward to seeing you there!


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Saturday, October 19, 2024

Power Together with Edward Viljoen, 10/20/2024


Here is what we're talking about on Sunday at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

1. Living from the Inner Self Benefits Both the Individual and the Community

  • The essential self is calm, compassionate, and creative, and it connects us to the creative power of life.
  • Tuning into this inner self fosters inner peace, self-confidence, and authentic well-being.
  • When we live from this core, the positive energy we generate spreads to others, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.
  • This aligns with Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s “broaden-and-build” theory, which shows that positive emotions enhance personal well-being and ripple out to benefit those around us.

2. The Ripple Effect of Positive Emotions and Empowerment

  • Positive emotions such as gratitude, joy, awe, and hope multiply when practiced, creating an “ever-increasing ripple of influence” in our environment.
  • Empowering others involves creating space for them to step into their potential, building trust, cooperation, and stronger connections.
  • Empowerment is not about taking control but supporting others, uplifting both the giver and the receiver.
  • The concept of clean power—connecting without manipulation—helps maintain an intentional, positive influence during challenging times, especially during elections.

3. Clean Communication and Consciousness as Tools for Empowerment

  • “Clean power” involves removing hidden agendas or unkind intentions from our communication, as illustrated by Sylvia Boorstein's reflections on Right Speech.
  • Words and actions must align with inner calm and positivity—speaking fear or spreading worry undermines the peace we cultivate within.
  • Practicing intentional communication and clean power ensures that we influence others in constructive ways, especially during emotionally charged times.
  • A rising consciousness lifts the vibration for everyone, helping us stay centered and intentional even in stressful environments.

These three points form the core of my message: Living authentically from the inner self, the multiplying effect of positive emotions and empowerment, and the importance of clean communication. They support the idea that each individual’s spiritual work contributes to collective well-being, especially during challenging times like elections.

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Saturday, October 5, 2024

Practice Peace and Centeredness with Dr. Edward Viljoen, Sunday, 10/5/2024

In this Sunday's message, I’ll be talking about three key ideas that can help you feel more grounded and empowered:

  1. Going within for guidance – We’ll explore a simple but powerful practice you can use anytime, anywhere, to calm your mind and connect with your inner wisdom.
  2. Releasing the baggage from the past – Learn how to let go of the expectations and experiences that may hold you back and make space for new possibilities.
  3. Recognizing the signs along the way—Discover how to tune in to the guidance around you and offer support when you need it most.

Plus, we’ll be announcing our 2025 nonprofit partners—an inspiring list of organizations dedicated to making our community a better place. You nominated these partners, and we’ll share who they are and the important work they do!

We welcome everyone, whether you’ve been coming for years or this is your first time. Our gatherings are for anyone seeking spiritual growth, connection, and a deeper sense of peace.

Sunday Celebration Details:

  • In person: 9 am & 11 am
  • Online (YouTube): 9 am

Come take a breath, let everything be, and experience a message about embracing calm, releasing the past, and finding the signs that guide us forward.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Edward Viljoen



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Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Wholeness: Navigating Election Time with Compassion and Connection

As the election approaches, many people feel the tension and stress that come with it. The concept of wholeness, a core teaching at Centers for Spiritual Living, offers a valuable perspective during these challenging times. Wholeness means seeing the bigger picture where everything is connected and nothing is missing. It goes beyond one viewpoint, one party, or one nation. Instead, wholeness embraces all voices, including those who disagree. This approach doesn't require agreement with everyone, but it does mean acknowledging and making space for different perspectives.

Embracing Diversity and Complexity

It's easy to feel isolated or frustrated when faced with differing opinions, especially during conversations online or with family and friends. While blocking out opposing views might seem like a quick fix, it often leads to denial and isolation. True wholeness encourages us to look deeper, beyond surface differences, to find the good that benefits everyone. Embracing wholeness means including discussions of diversity, complexity, and even contradictions. It's about understanding the complete picture, not just the parts that align with our beliefs.

Understanding Wholeness Beyond Simple Solutions

Wholeness also teaches us that understanding doesn't come from oversimplified solutions. Just as one can't fully grasp meditation from a summary, we can't comprehend the fullness of life through quick fixes or social media posts. Wholeness is infinite and ever-evolving, which means we are continuously called to embrace new aspects of it every day. It's more about unity and connection than about separateness and differences. Wholeness includes the interconnectedness of all groups and recognizes that unity in one group at the expense of another is not true wholeness.

Living from Innate Wholeness

Nothing external will truly fulfill us until we live from our innate wholeness. When we carry a mindset of division, we continually see ourselves as separate, no matter the circumstances. But when we focus on our interconnectedness, we open up to empathy and understanding, allowing wholeness to emerge from within us.

Navigating Stress with Compassion

As the election draws near and the nation faces numerous challenges, it's important to remember our innate wholeness. Stress, worry, and conflict can cause us to lose sight of our interconnectedness, but by focusing on wholeness, we can navigate these times with greater compassion and calm. Whether dealing with personal or broader societal issues, maintaining a wholeness attitude helps us stay centered and connected to our deeper values.

The Unchanging Nature of Wholeness

Wholeness remains constant, even when our circumstances change. It is permanent, infinite, and embraces all of life's complexities. Judging others based on their actions or experiences can be easy, especially when they differ from our own. However, by practicing empathy, we can connect with others on a deeper level, recognizing the shared humanity that unites us all.

Practicing Kindness and Compassion

Wholeness invites us to embrace the complete picture—every voice, every experience, and every perspective. It reminds us not to fear or dismiss the voices that differ from ours and to seek the good of all rather than just our interests. As we move through these challenging times, let's focus on allowing our innate wholeness to guide our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.

By practicing kindness and offering blessings to those we encounter—whether in traffic, in line, or during disagreements—we can access the transformative power of wholeness. A simple practice, such as silently wishing others happiness, helps us stay connected to the bigger picture and supports the emergence of peace and understanding in our world.

Returning to Wholeness One Moment at a Time

During times of national tension, it can feel like our country is undergoing a profound transformation, an illness that brings hidden issues to the surface. Wholeness reminds us that our true nature remains intact, even when we feel disconnected. As each of us returns to the contemplation of our innate wholeness, one moment at a time, we contribute to the healing and restoration of our shared human experience.

As we navigate this election and beyond, remember the simple, compassionate blessing: "May all beings be happy." Let this gentle affirmation guide us, reminding us that kindness is the pathway to experiencing our wholeness and connecting with all life. Through patience, empathy, and determination, we can embody the principle of wholeness and create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Putting Wholeness into Practice in Conversations

Imagine you're having a conversation with someone who holds a different political point of view. It's easy for these discussions to become tense, especially during election season. To practice wholeness, start by intending to approach the conversation with empathy and a sense of connection rather than division.

As you engage, focus on truly listening to the other person. Instead of preparing your response while they are speaking, allow yourself to be fully present. Acknowledge their perspective with an open mind, even if you disagree. For example, you might say, "I hear what you're saying, and I can see why that's important to you." This doesn't mean you're conceding your views; it simply acknowledges theirs.

When it's your turn to share, express your thoughts calmly and without trying to convince the other person to change their mind. You might say, "This is how I see it, and it's meaningful to me because…" By framing your perspective this way, you invite dialogue rather than debate.

Throughout the conversation, silently offer a simple affirmation like, "May we both find understanding and peace." This helps keep your focus on connection rather than conflict. Practicing wholeness isn't about agreeing on everything—it's about recognizing our shared humanity and valuing the wholeness in each of us, no matter our differences.

By approaching conversations this way, you contribute to a more compassionate and connected world, even with differing opinions.

You may be interested in 30 Days of Affirming Peace to support you in nurturing a mindset of calm and clarity.

Edward Viljoen


 

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I have been through the book three times over three years, and am starting it again. This is not because the material in the book is not working, but because it is working so well! The weekly lessons keep me on track and focused on what is actually true and important, and help me experience more good in every area of my life. LS

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