tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post3683600811141712501..comments2024-03-28T08:54:28.654+08:00Comments on Cresting The Hill: SILENCE, SOLITUDE, SIMPLICITY AND SURRENDERLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-79183590716084130672018-08-01T08:07:56.458+08:002018-08-01T08:07:56.458+08:00You know I just have to feature this post. Thank y...You know I just have to feature this post. Thank you Ross and Leanne. My hubby and I often say that we would love people to stop and think below the surface of issues going on around us. Your 'Silence' addresses that and I love the other three S's. Full of wisdom and food for thought when we take the time to consider.<br />Kathleen<br />Blogger's Pit StopKathleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16559092855185240910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-60526121259872566232018-07-27T10:32:52.467+08:002018-07-27T10:32:52.467+08:00My favorite thing is to take a walk outside, away ...My favorite thing is to take a walk outside, away from traffic and people so I can enjoy the sound of the breeze by my ear, the birds talking to each other, and the approach of a small airplane. Too often we get caught up in the hurry of life and do not slow down. You made some great points.Lee MacArthurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06119112850683374383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-75228204138556013122018-07-26T17:46:44.825+08:002018-07-26T17:46:44.825+08:00well put and I thank you Ross and leanne for your ...well put and I thank you Ross and leanne for your careful thought and reply to me - I like that you say an intentional emptying/filling - that gives me the sense that the emptying is an activity of freeing the mind of the patterns that no longer serve allowing/encouraging the promotion of the higher virtues. I live with the realisation that I am a part of the whole and that this sustains me. There have been moments when a sense of deep abiding calm inhabits me and even in the midst of the recent 'upheaval' I was aware of this space and felt no need to label fret worry or define what was happening . it was what it was - perfectly placed in my path for my greater good. I am learning much about self and sacrifice and deeply grateful for all the support wisdom words and kindnesses ... blessings to you both .xxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14937367888720285998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-88623600864436975242018-07-25T20:43:09.960+08:002018-07-25T20:43:09.960+08:00Hi Sandra - I think Ross said it all. I also belie...Hi Sandra - I think Ross said it all. I also believe that we often think that turning ourselves over to the Divine means that everything will work out happily. Sometimes God requires us to walk through the fire to burn off some of the dross - unpleasant at the time, but so rewarding in retrospect. <br />I often think of you and the upheaval you've been going through and I hope you find peace and purpose through it - pain has a way of narrowing us down to what is worth fighting for - look for the big picture my friend and as Ross said - keep seeking truth - she who seeks shall find xxLeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-40855436967079943752018-07-25T20:28:19.331+08:002018-07-25T20:28:19.331+08:00Hi Sandra, I recognise some faith traditions have ...Hi Sandra, I recognise some faith traditions have the practise of emptying of the mind in order to become one with the universe (yes, I appreciate that is an overly simplistic summary, but indulge me the use of it as a general description). With respect, I’m not a fan.<br /><br />I’m sure you’ve heard it said, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” I’d suggest it is close to impossible to empty the mind and maintain it in such a state; something will always fill it, and it might not be something better than what was there before. <br /> <br />It may be a better exercise to breathe out and breathe in; that is, practice an intentional emptying or discarding with a deliberate infusing or infilling. In this the individual is being focused and mindful of what they are inviting into their heads and hearts. <br /><br />For instance, in Christianity we seek to divest ourselves of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, dirty language et al in order to promote love, joy peace, patience, goodness and so on. But it’s recognised this is an action initiated and sustained by the Spirit of God with whom we cooperate.<br /><br />With any spiritual discipline, we are seeking to connect to something (or someone) greater than ourselves and experience and understand something larger than anything we can self-generate. I commend you to the journey; keep on seeking truth.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13501521026774466360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-66825526991509287582018-07-25T18:25:31.332+08:002018-07-25T18:25:31.332+08:00so much to catch up on here at cresting the hill, ...so much to catch up on here at cresting the hill, a pleasure to meet you Ross - I am a fan of silence and love to sit in it , simplicity I enjoy and solitude is gratefully received when it is offered to me. surrender is not something that comes easy to me and so I am in deep practice to it at the moment - recently I moved away from my home and partner of 30 years and lived with uncertainty which I embraced and upon finally committing and offering my surrender to divine will I had the rug pulled out from under me and ended up back at home. recently a healer suggested I seek emptiness and I wonder Ross where you suggest this is? is it similar to spaciousness - is it in the no mind of meditation . I would be interested in your thoughts on this and you too leanne . many blessings - go deep and deeper - it is balm to our souls..Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14937367888720285998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-46827808351614770252018-07-24T11:00:04.628+08:002018-07-24T11:00:04.628+08:00Being still and knowing God is so much trickier th...Being still and knowing God is so much trickier than it sounds in our noisy, busy world isn't it Diane? I think introverts have a head start on this one, but there's nothing to stop the rest of us using our down time more productively to nurture the quiet and to de-clutter our world enough to focus on who and what is important.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-10936348408423426112018-07-24T10:58:34.428+08:002018-07-24T10:58:34.428+08:00Don't you hate it when computers decide to go ...Don't you hate it when computers decide to go AWOL Deb? They are fantastic when they're going well, and sooo annoying when they let us down. Glad you managed to stop by and I'm so happy you enjoyed Ross's post.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-24646958886341350342018-07-24T10:57:30.162+08:002018-07-24T10:57:30.162+08:00Hi Lori Jo! I think we all have to take stock in o...Hi Lori Jo! I think we all have to take stock in our 50's and start getting our life balance back - we have more time if we're working less, but if we fill it with busy-ness then we gain nothing. Having the courage to embrace the quiet and to use it centre down and enjoy our own company, discover more about God, or to re-evaluate where we want to head next, is all such a gift.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-37965195928667565452018-07-24T10:55:29.532+08:002018-07-24T10:55:29.532+08:00He did an excellent job didn't he Janet? I lov...He did an excellent job didn't he Janet? I love that these Saturday guest posts bring so much variety to my blog - I should have started them sooner!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-65644658856657672002018-07-24T00:08:27.557+08:002018-07-24T00:08:27.557+08:00I'm going to read this again and again . . .
A...I'm going to read this again and again . . .<br />Absolutely wonderful from start to finish!<br />One scripture kept coming to me as I read: Be still. And know that I am God.Diane Stringam Tolleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09629946536985545457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-31158545475621839062018-07-23T23:24:33.743+08:002018-07-23T23:24:33.743+08:00Sorry for the late comment. My home computer was b...Sorry for the late comment. My home computer was being a bit of a pill, not letting me comment except as my Google account, and not even then!<br />Thank you Ross, and Leanne, for this post. Those 4 "S's" - really the secret to peace and happiness. Great post!<br /><br />DebThe Widow Badasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08671005744535263644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-62030370911932156252018-07-23T20:45:27.841+08:002018-07-23T20:45:27.841+08:00So nice to meet you, Ross! And what a wonderful, ...So nice to meet you, Ross! And what a wonderful, mindful post. I am experiencing all of these at the same time and going for quality living and starting to enjoy more of who I am. I feel that I need more quiet, calm and alone time at a slower pace, and have more regular moments with my daily spiritual devotional. Still a work in progress and realizing that multi-tasking and "busy-ness" is not always fulfilling and good quality--I am a very new blogger trying to keep it enjoyable and not a "job" which is ingrained in me, working on shaking that off. Getting back to walking, yoga and pilates this week, always helps. <br />Thank you again for a great post! (Hi, Leanne!) :D<br />Lori Jo - 50 With Flair<br />www.50withflair.com Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05240571828038732599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-54064947574805201902018-07-23T20:03:53.436+08:002018-07-23T20:03:53.436+08:00Leanne - how lovely to meet your other half! Great...Leanne - how lovely to meet your other half! Great post. I used to do a message at women's groups and the like about how our society glorifies being an "independent woman", which looked at what that really means and how we are all wired for relationships.Janet Camillerihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14040750107420193756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-58520629315707237792018-07-23T18:12:38.785+08:002018-07-23T18:12:38.785+08:00I'm so glad you enjoyed Ross's post Shalan...I'm so glad you enjoyed Ross's post Shalani - I struggle with similar issues to what you mentioned - we could probably both benefit from a large dose of Ross's four S's!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-60877728869992654132018-07-23T18:11:13.238+08:002018-07-23T18:11:13.238+08:00I love my home alone time too Sue - it's lovel...I love my home alone time too Sue - it's lovely having the silence and knowing that there is nothing pressing - just time to chill and enjoy the head space. Thank you so much for your lovely compliment - I think Ross probably finds my "strength and beauty" a little overwhelming at times - but I'm good for him!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-79226814518521724682018-07-23T18:07:19.980+08:002018-07-23T18:07:19.980+08:00Pat you're always tackling new and interesting...Pat you're always tackling new and interesting endeavours. I'm really glad Ross's post has given you something extra to throw into the mix - and I hope you'll be doing a post about what you learn from your 21 day quest.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-83177362001766530942018-07-23T10:55:14.017+08:002018-07-23T10:55:14.017+08:00Ross I loved reading what you wrote here; surrende...Ross I loved reading what you wrote here; surrender is something I have been trying to practice daily. My surrender is to my situation; stop worrying about things I cant fix and just go with the flow to see where its gonna take me. <br /><br />Thank you for such an insightful post - its given me much to think about :-)Shalzmojohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09302044512743818034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-13924584614224313022018-07-23T06:03:27.398+08:002018-07-23T06:03:27.398+08:00Hi Ross, I love the 4 'S's you have writte...Hi Ross, I love the 4 'S's you have written about but alas most of us get caught up in the busyness of life. I quite enjoy my solitude and silence, probably because most of the time I'm involved with family or friends helping them or spending time with them. There is nothing more enjoyable for me than to be home alone, silence surrounding me and just existing. I particularly like the early mornings when I'm 'alone' in the house and all is quiet. Thank you for the reminder and also I have to say you have a wonderfully, strong and beautiful wife (which you already know, I'm sure), whom I have been lucky enough to meet through blogging and is my friend. Hope to meet IRL one day. Have a beautiful week both of you. xxSue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15418770845484399102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-54635927429238727762018-07-23T00:23:28.895+08:002018-07-23T00:23:28.895+08:00Patricia - I so appreciate your situation with liv...Patricia - I so appreciate your situation with living with (and loving) someone who loves lots of toys. I work on my personal approach to simplicity - and embrace his with no judgement. Our common space sits in the middle and we each have a personal space - mine sparse and bare, his holds his stuff. This works for us. I appreciate the opportunity it gives me to not be so all/nothing about it - which is a default setting for me. Enjoy your 21-day mediation sequence!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-47760351339594212832018-07-22T22:32:54.256+08:002018-07-22T22:32:54.256+08:00Hi Ross, As I am starting a 21-day meditation seq...Hi Ross, As I am starting a 21-day meditation sequence tomorrow, your "In silence and stillness we seek to quiet our bodies, our minds and our spirits and fix our attention upon that which really matters" is exactly what I needed to hear today! <br /><br />I'm very fond of silence and solitude. I struggle with simplicity in my space as I live with (and love) someone who does believe "he with the most toys wins". Surrender is a new idea to me... so perhaps that will be my second key question for my meditation series starting tomorrow.<br /><br />BTW - I also love deep thinking. One of my favorite things is sharing a meal (and wine) with some deep thinkers!Pat WDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01058910207832261196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-19943156593487198462018-07-22T21:09:40.938+08:002018-07-22T21:09:40.938+08:00He's pretty profound Karen - and I think it...He's pretty profound Karen - and I think it's good for all of us to be challenged. Ross was worried that his post would be a bit heavy, but I told him there were lots of us who liked to think a bit more deeply every now and then - and that it would be appreciated. I'm glad it connected into what you're already working on within yourself xxLeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-88253971544273087892018-07-22T21:07:39.063+08:002018-07-22T21:07:39.063+08:00Kristin I've been in soul sucking jobs where i...Kristin I've been in soul sucking jobs where it drains you dry - sometimes you just need to step back and regroup and find your centre again. I think that's what this time is for you and you'll move onto something new once you're back in touch with yourself - re-energized and ready to tackle new challenges.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-74854999497842334662018-07-22T21:03:25.981+08:002018-07-22T21:03:25.981+08:00I think Western society ties too much of their sel...I think Western society ties too much of their self worth into their possessions (he who dies with the most toys wins) it's a sad indictment on our world today. When you open up your hand and let go of all the stuff you're grasping, there is real freedom to be found isn't there?Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-69294739477327221612018-07-22T21:00:25.802+08:002018-07-22T21:00:25.802+08:00He is indeed Jo - I married him for his good looks...He is indeed Jo - I married him for his good looks and charm and the wisdom was an extra bonus in his favour :)Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com