Our spiritual journey

 includes all that we encounter and experience. It 

may seem that spiritual practice is just the time we spend in prayer, meditation, 

or service. While these disciplines support the process of awakening, they are 

only tools to prepare us for the real work of spiritually conscious living every day. 

Remembering who we are, living truthfully, peacefully, and intentionally; relating 

to others with compassion; engaging in work with integrity; and keeping our 

balance as we navigate life’s changes—this is how we live the teachings—moment 

to conscious moment. 

Paramahansa Yogananda wrote, "The material and the spiritual are but two 

parts of the universe and one truth. By overstressing one part or the other, a 

person fails to achieve the balance necessary for harmonious development. Life 

is expressed in a three-fold way: through thoughts, desires and actions. Rightly 

guide all three forms of expression and they will guide you to a higher state of 

consciousness."

In this issue of Enlightenment Journal, you'll find articles that address spiri-

tual well-being as it is expressed in the midst of daily life and its concerns. Roy 

Eugene Davis offers important insights and simple practices to help us make 

healthy and spiritually sound food choices and you’ll find a wonderful recipe that 

follows. The conversation with Rod Stryker from the Yoga Hour examines the 

innate desires we have to prosper and fulfill our life's purpose while the opening 

article explores how to simplify our lives—clearing space in our hearts, our 

minds, and our environment for what matters most to us. 

Be sure to read the invitation on the inside back cover to the Fourth Inter-

national Kriya Yoga Congress taking place in San Jose, March 6–9, 2013. This 

global convening that will welcome people from across the US and several other 

countries, occurs at the spiritually auspicious time marking the mahasamadhi 

anniversaries (occasion of conscious transition from the body) of Paramahansa 

Yogananda and his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar. It promises to be an inspired and 

grace-filled occasion. You are warmly invited to attend. Registration is now open. 
Reverence to the Divine in you,
Ellen Grace O'Brian, Editor

EnlightenmentJournal@CSEcenter.org

FROM THE EDITOR'S CUSHION
Everyday, enlightenment.