Edward Viljoen: Balancing Time and Spiritual Practice

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Balancing Time and Spiritual Practice

By: Edward Viljoen on Thursday, August 08, 2024

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At the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, we recognize the challenges many face in maintaining a consistent and fulfilling spiritual practice amidst life's demands. It's a common struggle, yet it is important to our spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Struggling to Find Time for Spiritual Practice

Finding time for spiritual practice can be difficult in our busy lives. Work, family, and other responsibilities often take precedence, leaving little room for personal spiritual growth. This struggle can lead to feelings of frustration and a sense of disconnection from our spiritual path.

Not Living Up to Spiritual Potential

Alongside these frustrations and desires is the fear of not living up to our spiritual potential. This fear can stem from the pressures we place on ourselves to achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment. It can also arise from comparing our spiritual journeys to those of others, feeling inadequate or behind.

Consistent and Fulfilling Spiritual Practice

The desire for a consistent and fulfilling spiritual practice is shared by many. We may yearn for a routine that allows us to connect deeply with our spiritual selves, bringing peace and balance to our lives. Establishing such a practice can provide a strong foundation for navigating the complexities of daily life.

Practical Steps to Create a Balanced Spiritual Practice

Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, achievable goals for your spiritual practice. Consistency is more important than duration.
Create a Routine: Designate specific times each day for spiritual activities, whether it's meditation, prayer, or reading spiritual texts. Consistency can help turn these practices into habits.
Incorporate Spirituality into Daily Activities: Find ways to integrate spirituality into everyday tasks. Simple acts like mindful breathing, gratitude journaling, or brief moments of reflection can make a significant difference.
Seek Community Support: Engage with your spiritual community for encouragement and accountability. Attending regular services and participating in group activities can provide the support needed to maintain your practice.
Be Kind to Yourself: Recognize that everyone's spiritual journey is unique. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progress.

Balancing time and spiritual practice is a continuous journey that requires patience and dedication. By setting realistic goals, creating a routine, and seeking support, you can cultivate a consistent and fulfilling spiritual practice. Every small step taken toward your spiritual growth is a step in the right direction.

I encourage you to explore the many resources and opportunities available at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, to support your journey. Together, we can achieve our spiritual potential and live more balanced, fulfilling lives.

Edward Viljoen, Senior Minister

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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

“Ordinary Goodness reminds me I can see goodness and kindness every day. Edward reminds all of us, that despite our failings, we really can be both good and kind. Brew a cup of tea and curl up with this insightful and achingly beautiful account of the mystery, paradox, and wonder of your life. You’ll be glad you did!”
—Petra Weldes, author of Joyous Living Journal

“If kindness were a country, Ordinary Goodness would be its travel guide. In this book, Edward Viljoen delves into a perfectly ordinary yet arguably neglected virtue—kindness—and reveals its source, its rewards, and a well-defined approach for integrating kindness into your very bones. Combining his personal history with his decades of experience as a minister, Viljoen is eminently qualified to teach us that the ordinariness of kindness may actually be the most dazzling quality we might possess.”
—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

The Power of Meditation

“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