Book

Viljoen, Edward, author.

Ordinary goodness : the surprisingly effortless path to creating a life of meaning and beauty / Edward Viljoen.

New York, New York : A TarcherPerigee Book, [2017]

xvii, 215 pages ; 21 cm

People often struggle to find a life filled with passion, happiness -- and just plain goodness. Author and New Thought minister Edward Viljoen argues that the struggle need not be an arduous or painful one. Through everyday acts of kindness, faith, and compassion we can create peaceful and contented lives. The author offers deep insights, including : caring about ordinary things leads to meaningful and extraordinary life experiences ; society's messages about perfection distract us from our ordinary goodness ; and, faith is a muscle that must be exercised. Includes personal stories, practical tips, and exercises.

Conduct of life.

Good and evil.

Spiritual life.

Includes bibliographical references.

A role model for ordinary goodness -- Author's note: about Meister Eckhart -- Part one: ordinary goodness. The paradox of being ; Goodness as awe ; I didn't know what to do ; What would goodness do? ; Goodness as altruism ; When goodness is not enough ; Goodness as love and devotion -- Part two: ordinary kindness. Kindness as guidance ; Kindness isn't weakness ; Goodness as kindness ; Kindness as attitude ; Kindness as a habit ; Kindness as listening generously -- Part three: ordinary compassion. The compassion of wanting to understand ; The compassion of being there ; The compassion of caring about others' suffering ; The compassion of self-kindness ; The compassion of seeing people as they are -- Part four: ordinary faith. Faith as an expectation of good ; Faith as something borrowed ; Finding faith when there's nothing left inside ; Faith as something earned ; Faith as something given ; Faith as something shared ; Faith as intuition -- Part five: finding faith. Co-existence ; Mystery ; Polarities ; Divinity ; What do you believe? ; Postludes: be calm and carry on.

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