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Showing posts from February, 2024

What to say when you talk to yourself with Edward Viljoen

In the quiet moments of reflection, the words we whisper to ourselves hold immense power. These silent conversations shape our confidence, sculpt our view of the world, and influence our steps forward. Recognizing the importance of nurturing a compassionate inner dialogue, we are thrilled to invite you to our Wednesday evening service at the center. This week Edward Viljoen will delve into the spiritual significance of gently cleaning up your self-talk. Edward Viljoen, known for his insightful and accessible approach to spiritual teachings, will guide us through the process of transforming our internal monologue. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the power of words. His message is clear: the way we converse with ourselves not only impacts our internal state but also reflects in our external world. Why does this matter? Our self-talk is often a mirror reflecting our deepest beliefs about ourselves and our place in the universe. Critical or harsh self-dialogue ...

Keeping a Weather Eye

  Meditation and affirmative prayer--these are all fantastic spiritual practices that can lead to incredible growth in our lives. But what do we do when we find these practices don't seem to be working?  If that sounds like an experience you've had, don't worry. You're not alone. In my classes about affirmative prayer I often have students ask me, "What do I do if my prayer doesn't work?" Or, I hear "I want to meditate, but my mind just won't be quiet!" The good news is that often when it seems like we are doing everything right--but not seeing results--it turns out there is a part of us that might be getting in the way. And these parts--hidden beliefs, attitudes, ways of being--can be addressed directly so that we might better understand what is keeping our prayers and meditations from uplifting our lives, and then bring in healing.  I invite you to join me in this exploration in our next Wednesday Evening Service, where I will be talking ab...

Embracing the Puzzle Pieces of Our Mind

  We are more than the sum of our parts. The aspects of our mind that protect us, that hold on to innocence and joy, that are curious and compassionate--they all make up the whole that is us. I like to think of my mind as a puzzle where the final picture is constantly growing and evolving--and that picture is wonderful.  But what happens to the puzzle pieces of our mind when they are faced with discomfort? What happens when sometimes it feels like one of our pieces doesn't fit; or, worse, when we can't seem to find  one of those pieces?   Don't worry--if you have asked yourself these questions, you are not alone. I have for most of my life.  This is what we will be talking about in our upcoming Wednesday Evening Service as I share a glimpse of knowledge from my upcoming class, Spiritual Cartography. We will also have freshly baked bread, cookies, tea, and beautiful music from Christopher Fritzsche.  I look forward to seeing you at 7pm for a sneak previ...