Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

Why did Ruth write another book? How does it relate to Invitation to Solitude and Silence? We start with a delicious word – invitation. Ruth moves in to define our terms and discuss how retreat has been compromised in our culture. Ruth and Steve even discuss who should go on retreat. Lets reclaim the word retreat! Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Retreat, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

Why does Ruth end a book on silence and solitude with a chapter on for sake of others? Listen to find out. Ruth describes her own journey of moving out of silence and solitude and how it transformed her interaction with teenagers. A great discussion of words and why silence and solitude are important for both introverts and extroverts, along with a strong encouragement to not make this practice legalistic. As we close this season, Ruth leaves us with a practice to help us connect with God from the place of our deepest desire.  Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

Why does Elijah say the same things again? We expect Elijah’s experience of God’s presence to transform him, but there is a comforting interpretation of this passage. The good news: we don’t have to beg God for guidance. He is our shepherd and wants to guide. A great conversation ensues around how silence and solitude connects to receiving guidance. We conclude with a practice that leads us into guidance.  Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

In this podcast, Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Weins discuss the transformative power of desiring God's presence above all things. They explore the story of Elijah and how it led him to the pure presence of God, finding rest and true identity. They also discuss Ruth's new book, Invitation to Retreat, and the practice of deep breathing to connect with God. Reflect on areas of life that need transformation and join a transforming community to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

We are in the chaos with Elijah. In solitude and silence we feel the battle between the false self and the true self. Some of the most important questions emerge from the chaos. Ruth and Steve discuss what facing ourself really means and how our true self is hidden with Christ in God. This is the narrow path. As always, we end with a practice to help you face yourself. 

It takes stamina to stay in silence and solitude. Why does God meet us in such vast emptiness? Ruth has a thought. There is great encouragement in Elijah’s journey and how long it took. Emptiness can be very lonely, yet you don’t have to go alone. It is good to have some human support and we discuss the ministry of presence. Our practice starts with acknowledging we have places of emptiness. Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

We have made it to the cave with Elijah and he is telling the whole truth. The good news is God can handle anything. Ruth shares about being in solitude and silence with gratitude and how restful and energizing it can be. What if we feel like God didn’t show up? Ruth has some advice. Faithfulness to these practices will bear fruit because the work is happening underneath. Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

We are moving through this story slowly and it is good. At this point God asks Elijah a question. Allowing the mind rest into the heart is a helpful way to describe letting the mind rest without discounting the contribution of the mind. Ruth shares a personal example of resting and trusting God. We end this episode by resting with our questions in God’s presence.   Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

What is not to like about the fact that God instructed Elijah to take not one but two naps? Why do we treat our body so poorly? Ruth and Steve discuss a powerful psalm to better understand the dynamic of silence and solitude. They also discuss how the daily examen can help us get in touch with our bodies. We are developing a rhythm of practice in this season; this episode will help you get in touch with your body.   Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.