Thank you. Very instructive. Last Fall my family, 9 of us ranging from 18 mos to me, almost 70, climbed a small mountain together, fascinating experiences for all, and I know you had a specific focus here but it's all very important for growth and development for everyone involved, thanks.
This is a much-needed reminder that clarity can come when we sit in nature and stop all distractions. I'm inspired to take my hammock somewhere and read. I'm praying for a speedy flu recovery.
You led with what I think is the most valuable lesson of getting out and away from our devices and other things going on: "Being alone brings clarity to my thoughts and feelings. You can’t hide who you are when there is no device to distract you from yourself." I just spent 10 days at New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, a week of that alone, and in silence and solitude. As you said, there is no hiding in those situations. That is by turns beautiful and agonizing. But always worth seeking out. Every time I go to this place I feel like I come back changed.
Also, Henry joined me for my last three nights there...his first experience as a teen away from devices and any connectivity. He loved it. I wrote a little piece about it in my Contemplative newsletter the other day:
Thank you. Very instructive. Last Fall my family, 9 of us ranging from 18 mos to me, almost 70, climbed a small mountain together, fascinating experiences for all, and I know you had a specific focus here but it's all very important for growth and development for everyone involved, thanks.
That sounds like an amazing “scriptural experience.”
It was a blast, here's a write up on it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/fredcarpenter204043/p/random-thoughts-on-awe-and-nature?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=slto0
Hope you get feeling better!
This is a much-needed reminder that clarity can come when we sit in nature and stop all distractions. I'm inspired to take my hammock somewhere and read. I'm praying for a speedy flu recovery.
You led with what I think is the most valuable lesson of getting out and away from our devices and other things going on: "Being alone brings clarity to my thoughts and feelings. You can’t hide who you are when there is no device to distract you from yourself." I just spent 10 days at New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, a week of that alone, and in silence and solitude. As you said, there is no hiding in those situations. That is by turns beautiful and agonizing. But always worth seeking out. Every time I go to this place I feel like I come back changed.
Also, Henry joined me for my last three nights there...his first experience as a teen away from devices and any connectivity. He loved it. I wrote a little piece about it in my Contemplative newsletter the other day:
https://contemplationinthecity.substack.com/p/contemplation-in-the-city-march-2025