One Year in the Life of a Part Time Hermit - January - Of digging a hole and understanding the Past

0:00 New Year 2023
0:44 Where it all began
7:50 A January morning
12:15 Cooking on the Stove
13:09 How things looked in 2015 and building the Vortex Stove
23:02 Digging the Walipini
23:30 Change of the Weather. Snow arrives
26:40 Martijn's tent and preparing soup
35:24 Finishing an icon
39:50 Closing reflection

[@donjojohannes]

Thanks everyone! With the 12 videos now online, I disabled the purchase of the videos. You can still get the ebook about my 4000 mile pilgrimage from Ireland to Italy here: www.buymeacoffee.com/donjohannes/extras or if you just fancy buying me a beer you can do so here: www.buymeacoffee.com/donjohannes The text of the reflection for January: “All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” This loose quote from Blaise Pascal, the 17th century thinker, physicist and brilliant mathematician, pops up on social media walls occasionally. It comes from his Pensées (number 139), fragmentary thoughts penned down without ever being arranged into the intended larger work. What Pascal meant was that we seek distractions. Distractions which we find necessary, because otherwise the gravity of our situation - “the natural poverty of our feeble and mortal condition” he calls it - would oppress us too greatly. And thus we flee into the noise and drown out the unpleasant side of reality. Pascal does not write this with scorn. He was understanding. He must have been. His relatively short life was shaped by the Thirty Years' War, one of the longest and most destructive conflicts on the continent. Distraction was a way to cope. So what does he think the problem is? The first surely is, that through the constant pursuit of distractions we are in danger of not knowing ourselves, living life superficially, avoiding the deeper reality, the deeper questions. And all the worse it gets, so Pascal, if we mistake the distractions for sources of true happiness. We imagine, he says, the possession of the objects of our quests would really make us happy. Yet we eventually attain what we seek and soon find we are still unhappy. The bigger house did not change our internal state. The promotion did not produce lasting contentment. A relationship that promised joy, also comes with demands. We want to be at rest and are ever restless. There is something insatiable in our pursuit. There is something insatiable in the nature of our desire. Some see in this nothing but a “drive”, an evolutionary force that once propelled us forward - whatever “forward” is supposed to mean in a blind meaningless cosmos. It holds, now that our minds perceive it, only empty promises and despair. Distractions to the rescue. Others would say with Pascal that we seek rest as by a “secret instinct, a remnant of the greatness of our original nature, which teaches that happiness in reality consists only in rest, and not in stir.” Augustine a millennium earlier had famously written: “restless is our heart until it rests in you o Lord”. Or as Pascal said elsewhere: “What does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there, the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.” (425) Here it is: The famous “God-shaped hole” in man. That is why, so Pascal, we have difficulty sitting quietly in a room by ourselves. But from what has been said it is clear that the point is not that we have to learn to sit quietly. The point is that we should perceive distractions as distractions and not let them overpower the more pertinent questions - questions that we will have to face if happiness and rest are not the ultimate illusion. So we are not confined to a room. We do not have to lock ourselves in. In fact I personally have always found walking to be perfectly ordered to this pursuit. I find pilgrimages a great way to leave distractions and the noise behind. There are stages of such a journey. The first is physical. Pain and strain as the body adjusts. But over time, the physical aspect fades into the background. Next the mind begins to wander, thirsting for the many new impressions, encounters and discoveries. You may spend weeks sorting in your mind experiences and dialogues of the past. But eventually the rhythm of your steps will slowly clear the mind. You find yourself getting more and more quiet. And at some point you'll stop talking to yourself and start listening, you'll find yourself being - being as you are. Once you've become quiet; once you simply are, your hiking boots no longer matter. You have started on a journey inward. What will you find? Or whom?

[@Jauxes]

@donjojohannes Johannes thank you for sharing, the lesson on silence was the best part of the whole video. Where can I find a copy of the printed travel journal in English? My German is extremely lacking and I prefer the printed page to eBooks..

[@iidatv9642]

Payment made ❤

[@mikegrier2829]

Purchase made. How do we access the videos once paid?

[@beckybaker3549]

@donjojohannes same question as Mike. I purchased the videos and received the book Johannes how do we access the videos? The zip is giving access to the book and showing an html for the pilgrimage.

[@donjojohannes]

@@mikegrier2829 Thanks. You should have received an email from "Buy Me A Coffee". In the Email there is a Download link to the digital file you have purchased. Click "Download". It is a zip file. Open it and you will find 2 files 1) an url file link that takes you to the page with all the videos (click the episode you want to see) 2) the epub file for the ebook If you are still having problems reply to the email from "Buy me A coffee". This will be forwarded to me and I'll sort things out.

[@paterfiets]

A human being is a strange creature and suffers from the disease of "more"! After having kinda prepared myself to some sundays without Martijns videos we got this amazing gift; A series about Johannes, a person who intreged me a lot during his appearances on Martijns channel. And yet.., after watching the first episode, which is fantastic, the disease kicks in and I caught myself being a bit sad that there will "only" twelve of them.. Merry Christmass everybody and thank you Johannes for the wise words and this wonderful insight into your life !

[@kimberlyenglehardt5770]

I completely agree. I always find my Martijns time enhanced by Johannes. What true joy to have found this friendship… these two like minded gentleman. 💞🕊

[@cherylblaber824]

Agree - perfect timing to help us cope without Martijn’s weekly videos!

[@gaildurston7787]

What a wonderful watch, thank you and merry Christmas

[@LoreleiHome]

I don’t know what’s more impressive, the beautiful lesson on silence at the end or the pancake flipping at the beginning! Thank you for this gift, and Merry Christmas.

[@bettybryson9637]

Thank you for being a kind Neighbor to Martijn. I’m 73 yrs of age, loving and trusting God all my life, and am still learning to listen to Him more and more carefully. Thank you for sharing your pilgrimage experiences!

[@dyer2cycle]

He lives by the "Love your Neighbor as you love Yourself"...

[@muldfox]

I had no idea you actually made the molds yourself for the furnace. I'm well impressed. Can't wait to watch the rest of this series. Thank you Johannes! Beautiful edit, with the music and the amazing shots and angles. You're really good at this! Thanks so much for this.

[@plainnpretty]

I found that he made them himself very interesting. Did he have a set of plans ?

[@Pilot333]

@@plainnpretty It does look like it that he did have drawings. That was artfully made! Those Rocket Mass Stoves are amazing!

[@adrianbell4597]

As much as I looked forward to this, I wasn't sure what to expect, but from what I'd seen of you as a person, firstly in Kirsten Dirksen and then Martijn Doolaard content, I expected something special. I wasn't disappointed. Beautifully edited, interesting throughout and the last 6 minutes were worth listening to alone. I've no doubt we will all benefit from your closing words by the end of the 12 episodes and be better people for it. It must be obvious In granting you this assignment, your Bishop gave you the opportunity to flourish in your spiritual mission, to the benefit of all those who listen. Thank you Johannes.

[@frankn4618]

Your closing reflection was perhaps the best thing I've heard in a very long time. I realized as I stepped out of the corporate world at 54 that my most valuable asset was time, not the cars and second home, my pride came from raising good children and maintaining a great marriage for over 25 years. I was giving away my most precious asset, time, to a corporate master who paid me in distractions. The cars and second home are gone, the family remains, they will be there when my time ends and they will remember and weep as I have no time left for them. The corporate master has already long forgotten the time I gave them. I wish you joy and peace for this Christmas and the coming new year.

[@beckybaker3549]

I loved this so much. I’m happy you chose to pursue your path creatively as it is a gift to us all. Your contemplative words flow like water in a gentle stream and give us a soft place to go to immerse ourselves in reflection. I now, will look so forward to seeing your videos. A nod of gratitude to Martijn for sending us to your channel. ❤

[@critterkarma]

Bravo Johannes, Bravo! From all of us who follow Martijn, thank you for being such a wonderful neighbor. May you be Blessed beyond Measure! 🌟🙏🌟 Very impressed with your expertise in egg tempera painting, no small feat. Oh, and a magnifying glass on a stand, will surely be an asset for continuing your beautiful practice of Icon painting.

[@FinkworldTravels]

Martijn is fortunate to have such a good neighbor. Your video was insightful and inspirational. I look forward to watching your series as I do Martijn's each week. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@elizabethewanick]

This was a beautiful addition to the 2023 year. We have been following you and Martijn (every Sunday without fail) since we saw you on Kirsten’s channel. We enjoyed the episode visiting you and were truly inspired on many levels. Martijn has been a quiet place for us to be every Sunday morning. We have shared him with many and some respond that it is boring. I guess for us it is a place to breathe life in much the way meditating or sitting in silence can be. Your message today was truly a blessing. We are beginning a new journey as we wind down a life of chaos at corporate pace. It has been two years now that we are preparing for this change. Italy has always been our dream since we first visited as a young couple 32 years ago. Your words two years ago of having to wait for what comes next made all the difference. In a world of hurry up we have taken solace in that mindset. I only wish we had come to that place twenty years ago and not chased next. As we have contemplated what next is now we see simple…time to reflect. your journey has touched so many.I am happy to see your channel back. We always love to see when you pop up in Martijn’s videos. Today’s goofy video at Martijn’s property is just the reason we have come to enjoy you so much. You have many qualities that are unexpected and blessings to everyone you touch. The depth of character or people like you and Martijn give hope. May we one day be able to say thank you in person if we are truly blessed with the ability to find our home in Italy and give back where we can. Have a beautiful Christmas with your family celebrating all that is truly the miracle❤

[@kimberlyenglehardt5770]

Extremely well said! I as well watch Martijn as a meditation. Blessings on your new journey. I’m now curious regarding seeing them on Kristen’s video. I’d love to know what that channel is. She must be interesting.

[@GertStalpaert]

Her video about Martijn Doolaard: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZSZhZypatGMrbs@@kimberlyenglehardt5770

[@adrianbell4597]

@@kimberlyenglehardt5770 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3eUm32vZqtgbqs&ab_channel=KirstenDirksen

[@barackyobama6139]

God bless you, I always wanted a look into your life since I heard about it from Kirsten Dirksen, and was more surprised to see you in Martin's videos as well. I hope this gets a lot of attention.

[@apage1717]

Same here, but found videos in German/other languages. Sure glad you're now in English version. Sub.

[@bettybryson9637]

Yea, me too! Ditto!

[@EusaMacielReceitasdeVo]

Johannes, thank you for replying to my message on your Deutsch Channel. I am truly delighted to see such a wonderful human being you are. As I read in a previous comment, yes, you are a wonderful neighbor to dear Martijn. Thank you for this series showing your moments of reflection and activities in this beautiful region of Italy.

[@user-of5sv7fu8l]

From the first time I saw Martjin visit you to pick tomatoes at your invitation, I had wondered about your life and your faith. Thank you for sharing your life and your ministry with others. Your devotion warms my own heart to consider anew the depth and beauty of our Lord and his creation.

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

I was so glad to hear you were posting your own videos since I’ve admired your presence on Martijn's channel. I found myself getting quiet as I listened to your message at the end. Such a wonderful way to spend the evening before Christmas. Thank you.

[@xxlucky84xx]

I feel something profound as I watch your path being told, as I listen to your voice. I admire your depth and I admire your journey. I know it has cost you so much effort, perseverance and patience. One of the things I admire most is seeing you feel authentic, seeing you centred and in good company even when you are alone on that mountain. I don't see a man alone. I see a man radiating light to an entire mountain. I feel you as a guide. I feel love. I wish you the best. Thank you for sharing so many authentic values. Merry Christmas Johannes, and keep shining in this world..

[@caronadams4486]

Not bored. Thrilled to have another series to watch that brings peace to my soul.

[@_D1886]

What a beautiful video. These days it's incredibly rare that anything on KZbin captures my attention to sit through the entire thing uninterrupted, in one sitting, without fast-forwarding or skipping through it. I hope all episodes will be as great as this. Thanks for sharing!

[@ewolthaus]

Dear Johannes, thank you for the reflection at the end. Really enjoyed it. God bless you. 🙏

[@palacecat]

And the award for Most Unexpected "Prairie Home Companion" Shoutout goes to... Johannes!!

[@franzrupf8484]

Ein großartiges erstes Kapitel Bruder Johannes. Danke dass Du Deine Stille mit uns teilst.

[@Wxcvbnmlk]

🙂

[@upstream1942]

This, father Johannes, is your true calling. There is no urge for you to post new videos often or regularly. If they come when you are ready, they will be gems like this one. Thank you for your labour of love and beauty. (I'll buy you a wheat beer 🙂)

[@dominiquelafaille389]

Thank you Father for your touching reminder of the essence of life and our true place within it. I wish you Peace and Love for the New year. ☮️💟🇨🇦

[@Janissima1]

Ever since we met you on Martijn's weekly videos, I have wanted to know more about you and your life - and here it is! I was thrilled last Sunday while watching Martijn's video to learn that you have several videos to share with us, and a book. I enjoyed every minute of your video, including the lesson on silence at the end. This video was very well-done, included a day in the life, as they say, of Father Johannes. I wish you peace and happiness. Jan

[@markschiltz8954]

Thank you Father, the Good, the True and the Beautiful all on display in this film. What a gift!

[@Lwof1025]

Deep gratitude for this masterpiece. I had longed to hear from you in this way ever since we saw you on Martijn's earlier videos. 🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏻🙏🏿

[@steveelias3727]

Fabulous, this will be in my Sunday watch routines along with Martijn. He's on vacation now and I will miss him but this is a great Christmas present. Thank you Johannes.

[@Mattlock007]

Yes Sunday routine just expanded to these!!!

[@micheleshave323]

Your closing meditation has a lot in common with Buddhism. I thought it was beautiful. Thank you 🙏🕊

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

It's Catholic.

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Johannes, Your words of deep wisdom have touched my soul. God has blessed you with a gift of speaking profound truth, and I am grateful. The video is visually stunning as well. May God continue to bless your journey.❤

[@Mattlock007]

Amen!

[@cmetz49]

Oh my. That was truly beautiful and profound. I enjoyed the silence. I have watched it 3 times already and though I have purchased all 12 episodes I want to savour each episode so I will wait for the weekly release. Thank you Johannes.

[@lisakepinski4299]

Me too!

[@Mattlock007]

Me too! Very beautiful reflection!

[@acceptingWhatIS]

In presence Iam watching each one 12 times before going onto the next - while i paint. Thank you.

[@asinfysh6973]

God Bless You. I sat quietly and watched your narration of the hardship and joy of living amongst God’s creations. My Faith up until this time had been waning, and despair was beginning to creep into my daily living and thoughts. Your beautiful and inspiring video has given me much to think about.

[@theresaniemann3899]

Really enjoyed your video. I am a Catholic and live in East London on the East coast of South Africa. Enjoyed you saying Mass on your travels. Good that you are stsnding in for Martjin. You are a good neighbour. Peace be with you for 2024.

[@valentijn9]

I came to see your channel from Martijn’s video’s.

[@tomjensen618]

Thanks, Johannes. The magic of the internet has started a community of like minds that appreciate the simple, natural, and uncluttered. No coincidence you found Martin in your neighborhood. I live deep in the Pacific Northwest forest alone on 5 acres in a self-made cabin. I have found meaning here. To make known the unknown. That is why we came into mass in a body with senses and making your own way in nature will challenge and reward you richly. Godspeed to you!

[@yx6889]

That was a beautiful and pertinent reflection. Simple yet complex and so true in our modern lives. Thank you for sharing.

[@FoTo867]

Beautiful, thank you Johannes! I can see why you and Martijn are friends. I wish you have a nice holiday with your family!

[@user-ti4gj3kl5y]

Merry Christmas from Australia. Finding you and Martijn on KZbin has given me such pleasure. I’m 73 years young and I want to thank you for the peace you both give me in your videos. I have no trouble just being in my own company. God bless you.

[@marianbrown4173]

Wonderful video to watch on this Christmas Eve night. I really enjoyed your reflections at the end of the video. I live in Aberdeen Scotland so it is very difficult to find silence from the always busy traffic etc. I find my silence when I walk my dog in a small wood near my house. I find the sounds of nature allow me to be just me. It is so calming but also invigorating to spend time in nature. I thank you for taking us on this journey with you, really looking forward to the next 11. Please will you let us know when your book is published in English. Wishing you joy and peace this Christmas time.

[@justbob5009]

Can’t wait to see the other episodes, your an inspiration to others and I wish you peace and happiness for 2024 may god bless you. ✝️

[@pmlm1571]

may God bless.

[@jamesstephens6941]

Thanks to Maarten for the shoutout to see this series. I’m impressed by the closing thoughts my perception of the similarities to zen.

[@teresapelletier2271]

Johannes, thank you for sharing this. I have to admit that the end has brought me to tears. I have not been religious in these past years, but the thought of being able to stop hearing my own voice and to start listening leaves me yearning. I am thankful to Martijn for posting your link and looking forward to watching more of your journey.

[@imoztoo]

This video is on another level, simple and yet so beautiful

[@user-gc8xc1ll7f]

Thank you, Johannes, for your thoughtful blog at the end. Rest for the soul is not so much a place as a state of heart. Most of us will never have a quiet place in the mountains to which to retreat. But we can all find rest and quiet peace deep within us when we realize that God has placed eternity in our hearts, and our hearts yearn for Him.

[@peterlovett5841]

Johannes, there must be something in the air in that region of Italy that produces excellent to stunning videos. This has been an absolute delight to watch from the beyond brilliant scenes on the Syrian border to the drone footage after the snow. I am hooked and a subscriber. Thank you.

[@BE-bs8oe]

When he puts up the " Madonna"- tent, it is pure white wonders that brought me to understand the infinite generosity without necessary reciprocity of Mary. Spontaneous gesture of the pure heart. Like a Father he takes care, skillfully ensures his neighboor has a roof upon his return.

[@lyndaweston]

A perfect complement to Martijns life and work. And as a former seminarian - much appreciated.

[@lorassorkin]

Johannes, you have a tremendous gift for film making that leaves me looking forward to each of the episodes in this series. I believe each will teach or remind me of something valuable, as does the lesson of embracing silence. Thank you!

[@ralf.f.razborsek]

Absolutely jawdropping beautiful composition ❤ thx Johannes for sharing 🙏😇

[@charlenequinilty7252]

The Mass on the mountain was moving and the stove build was amazing. Martiin is my peaceful place and so are you. Thanks for your videos and I look forward to seeing more.

[@ValerianDurina]

Wunderbare Folge, freue mich auf die nächste! Wünsche ein gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest!

[@RubySlippers720]

The Sound of your Voice Calms Me. Thank You for these Videos. 🙏

[@lynnkhosla6277]

Johannes, thank you for feeding my spirit and soul. Exquisite photography, articulate commentary, and a celebration of silence and solitude that is exactly like my own. Thank you for what you offer to the world. God bless. -from a small island off the coast of Maine, USA

[@YorkshireLassCrochets]

Is this what it's like to find silence? The chaos that is London is wearing me to a frazzle. So imagine the happiness every Sunday when, without fail I sit with a cuppa and watch Martijn. Now I can also have that same window of peace watching you Johannes ❤ Thank you, what a wonderful Christmas present you've given Martijn's subscribers. I'm looking forward to your next video. Blessings. ❤ xxx

[@fargarden]

Thankyou for sharing this crafted and beautifully paced episode. The inner silence at its heart is quite palpable.

[@Cormier66]

This is so well done. I thoroughly enjoyed it. That's some mountain you and Martjin live on, seems to attract unique people with great voices and things to say.

[@garyinsalaco9530]

Very touching video , nature’s beauty presented in conjunction with worship ,extraordinary to watch,feel . Thank you Johannas for this amazing video. I look forward to the 11 others and will watch numerous times ! What a blessing .

[@g.christelbecker6349]

Yes, what a blessing!

[@lizmondel2003]

It's a privilege and a delight to see life on the mountain (that I've become somewhat familiar with through Martijin's videos), from your perspective, Johannes. You've been a generous - and humourous - presence throughout Martijin's series and here you're showing us more facets of you. I look forward to your next installments.

[@gwenfowler1826]

I have really enjoyed this video. I am impressed that you made your own stove. Good job. Your place seems so peaceful. Very thankful that Martijn has you for a neighbor and you have him. Take care, looking forward to more videos, and God bless.

[@user-xx1tm5fe9u]

Lovely!!! Thank you... part-time hermit!!!

[@phoebepaxford7184]

A beautiful and moving piece of art. I found you via Martijn. I very much enjoy listening to you speak.

[@amybowden3174]

Starting the year and the day with your share on Pascal is brilliant! Both you and Martin Doolaard are living testimonials to a longing - a path to our greater selves. The aerial footage in this film is beautiful it offers a deep sense of serenity and grace. Years ago, I found one of your videos and later I was introduced to your neighbor. It’s been wonderful to experience two individuals on the planet…walking and creating a footprint that can change people lives. Detaching oneself experiencing your space seeing the world you both live in. It’s a wonderful reprieve from the daily routine of life to be called back to nature and feel less separated from our relationship with the natural world. Connecting, exchanging the warmth of a fire, the fallen snow, the orginal footprint that we share on the planet. Coming home to ourselves. Blessings🦋

[@ciri1993]

I purchased the 12 episodes under my real name. I’m not a religious person, but more a spiritualist. I admire you just as I admire Martijn for your spirit.

[@ellendoyle1957]

Thank you for sharing your videos with us. I loved the reflection at the end. We must always look within to find Christ. I too am a follower of your neighbor and now I will follow you on KZbin. I find such peace in watching these videos of the paradise you have in the mountains of Italy. Merry Christmas and love to everyone. May there be peace on Earth!

[@not_the_first_noelle]

This is beautifully calming, and I eagerly await your upcoming videos. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to partake in this portion of your life; it is wonderfully breathtaking and highly appreciated!

[@astikessymvaseis8858]

I started watching your channel way before when you started .Then you mentioned your neighbour and i was watching his.The difference is huge .He is a no brainer at all.Two years he lived in a tent.He didn't read the manufacturer s instructions,"only temporary living,no winter."He forgot the principles of life and growth.He focused only on his weekly audience doing lazy cuts instead and unlike you that focused on your weekly living growing mentally and physically the hill, transforming it in a small paradise.Continue as you know better!!We love watching your growth!

[@user-el1lx4xs5w]

I am truely glad I found your story and message. I am already on my journey but yours strengthened my resolve. After a life of pain I am now on a different path. Thank you.

[@uhaneokalanijames8029]

a fantastic story teller, a scholar teaching others of ones own life lessons and i am here for the journey!! thank you for sharing Johannes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all!!

[@davemitchell8756]

Johannes, what a beautifully shot and edited video. Still ,calm, a reflection of your life in the mountains. The opening shots in the desert reflecting your religious devotion. We met you through your friendship with Martijin and your kind neighbourly deeds. A calming reflective Christmas present . Thank you.

[@theshawlknitter-unplugged1863]

Thanks Johannes for sharing your wonderful, peaceful life and the wisdom to be at one with nature. I look forward to seeing more of your pilgrimage to the inner self. Blessings to you on your journey.

[@barrydoxseyuk]

Johannes, it was a dream of mine to walk the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic on the North to the Atlantic on it South. Passing through the Holy Land. I started watching two years on a cycle. My friend Harrie cycled from the Netherland to Rome and again another year to France. I found peace in the mountains of Italy, a couple of times. They have been my salvation. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. I watched this on Christmas morning!

[@donjojohannes]

Walking the Med would be a fantastic cultural journey. Many years back I read "The Idiot and the Odyssey - Walking the Mediterranean" which recounts one such attempt - though a failed one.

[@DB-pm2vy]

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Martijn yet but I watched Kirsten’s video a long time ago , watched it twice and shared it with a colleague priest. Suddenly You tube dropped this in my links Gods blessing and I’ll try to follow your Monthly offering. Doreen UK

[@davidrichardson5163]

I've just discovered this beautiful series - stunning photography, especially of deserts and wildlife, with a gentle, calm commentary - something to look forward to each Sunday.

[@murrayblair67]

As a soul wandering lost on a journey,you certainly hit the nail on the head Johannes ! 🙏thank you for your inspiration And super excited about your videos!

[@davidcole8268]

Much respect Johannes. Go in peace, God bless you.

[@Derilyn]

I so enjoy seeing you in Martjin's videos and very happy to be able to follow you, sadly, if for only 12 episodes. You have been a truly wonderful friend to Martjin and as he is to you. You both set a perfect example of how as Christians and human beings, we should be. You are incredibly talented in your painting!! I have been drawn since childhood to icons and seeing you work on the one of St. Phillipe and all the paintings in your chapel. God bless and protect you. I look forward to your videos to come.

[@dorisschwabe1651]

Welch wunderbarer film und beeindruckende Worte, die Du uns mitgibst. Vielen Dank. Liebe Grüße aus Mödling.

[@chrisbartram9488]

Thank you Johannes for this beautiful first episode. I love the structure, with the month and then a reflection. I am looking forward to watching all the other months. Wonderful xx

[@scottvalleygirl]

I really enjoyed your comments about silence. We live in the Chihuahuan desert on the US Mexico border and I cherish the moments when I can get out of town. The stillness is almost loud. It’s amazing.

[@donjojohannes]

I can imagine. The desert is a special place!

[@CIMaddox56]

I watched all of Martin's videos and was aware of you as a neighbor. However, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed your video, too. The images of the mountains always stir me to an appreciation of a creator who imagined such beauty and shared it with us. And I'm always left with a craving to walk those mountains and look out over those valleys and breathe. I particularly liked the narration at the end.

[@LV12800]

Such a beautiful first video in this series. I so look forward to the other 11. Martijn is so very blessed to have you as a neighbor...that orchestration was very providential. You are a good storyteller and the subject matter speaks deeply to my heart. ❤

[@leonardlister4087]

Fantastic Johannes after watching all of Martin’s episodes not missed one,🤗I’m 74 golf professional love photography as a hobby which is why you guys are so fantastic to watch having a preacher man as your neighbour, So much to talk about 🤗🤗Will certainly buy you a coffee and a dinner too, My home is Sweden but spain in the winter,⛳️🇪🇸🇸🇪🇳🇴🇬🇧Take care and thank you again maybe one one day we can have a coffee together 🤗🤗

[@sukihitz291]

Thank you so much for allowing us to share your spiritual journey. This is a beautiful video in so many ways. Your dialogue at the close is wonderful. I look forward to the next installment. Again, thank you…

[@gordonmckelvie103]

I hear my son, a Franciscan priest, speaking to me about truth, faith, hope and charity living a live devoted to God while hearing his words and guidance in living a full, purposeful life. Thank you for sharing your journey in life with the world.

[@Liisa3139]

I have seen a BBC mini-series documentary on monastic life, titled Retreat: Meditations from a Monastery. The filming is fantastic and there is no presenter or interviews. The camera just follows a few Benedictine monks through their daily lives. There are images resembling classic paintings and the viewer is given time to really watch carefully and enjoy. Wonderful work.

[@donjojohannes]

That is a great suggestion. I'll check it out.

[@dennisbackstrom2244]

Amazing that you and Martian are neighbors. Two very like minded men. Beautiful, and inspiring. Thank you. This video with your reflection is the best gift I received this Christmas. ❤️

[@christinecarter3026]

Thank you so much, calm voice, calm music and calm visuals. Top quality video with a thought provoking ending.

[@lindabrooks8242]

Johannes, this video was incredibly beautiful, and so soothing. The words that You spoke in the end touched my soul, as I know it is truth.❤

[@olivialewis3868]

Merry Christmas to you from New Zealand. Thank you for this visit to your way on the mountain.I find it so beautiful what you and Maartin are choosing to do with your lives on each side of the mountain. The silence you speak of I experience as Grace. Sending thanks and warm waves across this noisy world to you.

[@yvonnereintjens3468]

Thank you Johannes for allowing us to continue to enjoy your beautiful, peaceful videos with many personal (nature) observations and activities in the coming weeks! Happy holidays!

[@jrl507]

The “Good the True and the Beautiful” the writing of the Icons is a window to the soul. Thanks for sharing your sacred art and the man who prays, loves God and lifts the veil on the world…if only for brief moments …Gods Will our peace

[@GardeningMeditation]

Ironically enough, I found Martjin through you, your video with Kristin. I’m very glad you decided to do these videos, this one was REALLY great, and beautiful. I very much appreciated the outro monologue, it was timely for me now. Thank you for providing us this peak into your life and the beautiful wisdom you provide.

[@carolking6355]

What a magnificent night sky. Thank you to the very end and the beautiful snail.

[@soulwalkies]

I enjoyed this so much! Being a Martijn follower, I always found the interior of your cabin especially cozy and attractive with the white plaster and a few dark stones, and always enjoy your wonderful humor and humility. My favorite moments were the beautiful closeup of the snail's reaction as you walked by, and your observation about eventually stopping to talk even to yourself and starting to listen instead. I feel the same about walking being an excellent form of meditation.

[@MichaelDoucette-tw8er]

Thanks for making time for us. It's really appreciated.

[@lindanelson3092]

As I watched your episode on Christmas Eve, I found your words powerful and inspiring - I actually went back to hear again. Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2024

[@marksitaliangarage]

God bless you Johannes , that was beautiful and timely.

[@IyamThatMNTishman]

So Martijn teases us to spend time on the other spiritual side of the mountain, one more overtly contemplative and practiced. And here we find that his friend Johannes not only gifts us with his story past and to come, but gently leave us with a beautiful contemplation of Gods grace and our possible place within. Thank you for the silence. Cheers, Johannes. This is great work.

[@sandylynn6089]

Thank you for your beautiful series, Johannes! I look forward to the weekly release of new videos. I loved your thoughts and sharing, and as a Buddhist, I found many commonalities in our spiritual practice. Finding peace within ourselves by spending time in quiet, and not running to and from distractions, is such a challenge in our chaotic world. That is the practice though and eventually I hope I can find that inner quiet. Thich Nhat Hanh, my teacher, a Zen master, and the founder of the Plum Village tradition, encourages us to find peace in every step. Walking meditation is a wonderful practice in our tradition. It seems like it is a practice you also enjoy. As someone that grew up without a spiritual practice, I love seeing the threads that unite us, no matter what religion. We are all interconnected. Thank you for sharing with us. I’m so glad to have found you through Martijn! Much love and peace to you in the coming year.

[@Gnuddelunke]

Tausend Dank, lieber Johannes. Sehr inspirierend. Ich freue mich auf die anderen 11 Folgen und hoffe, dass du dann weitermachst, denn so ein Content (abgesehen von Martijns) fehlt hier sehr. Hab ein gesegnetes Fest.🙏🎄