One Year in the Life of a Part Time Hermit - March - Of winter's return, storms and toys for men

0:00 Return of Winter
6:47 Firewood
8:44 Trip to Val Maira
10:40 Local Fauna
11:32 Walipini Works
15:23 Stormy Spring - Martijn's Camp
17:20 Fox in the Morning Light
18:54 Hammer Time
28:23 Throwback: Balcony
35:32 Walipini
39:20 Closing reflection

[@donjojohannes]

Text of the closing thoughts: The modern world is fascinating. The fact that what happens on this mountain can be shared with the world by a few clicks - and that such sharing would be something commonplace - would have seemed incredible to me, when I was a kid. Even that I found myself digging a second hole in March, dreaming of lemons was owed to the marvel of flowing electrons and cables hundreds of thousands of miles long. Otherwise I probably would have never heard of Walipinis as these are underground greenhouses are called. Looking back at the last few centuries it seems no wonder, that progress was and is on the lips of everyone. This progress without doubt owes something to a peculiar circumstance in Western history. In the 13th century, when theology drawing on Aristotelian philosophy had a high regard for reason and the bright, aspiring forms of Gothic cathedrals rose into the medieval skies, the highest ideal of man was the contemplation of God. That does not mean that it was otherworldly - think, for example, of the founding of universities, establishing of hospitals and the technological developments soon fostered in the Cistercian order. Christianity was never a stoic contempt for the world, but simply the clear order between this life and the next. The role of the church was comprehensive in people's lives. So much so that even decadence, scandals and sin among its clergy and in the pews - which have always existed - could not fundamentally call it into question. All this changed in the reformation. The Renaissance, humanism, the philosophic currents of nominalism and voluntarism had prepared the way. A greater emphasis was placed on the individual and the fideistic, anti-rationalist current of the Reformation mistrusted reason because of what they saw as the complete depravity of man. The catholic synthesis of Greek thought and Christian faith was denounced as a corruption of the Gospel. The Bible and personal conscience were pitted against tradition and the authority of the Church. The fact that the Bible alone was not as clear as the reformers had preached would lead to heated disputes over its meaning among the new protestant movements, each claiming “clarity” and the “discernment of the Holy Spirit”. They had abolished one pope and now there was someone making“papal” pronouncements and excommunicating others at every corner. Luther might have hidden from catholic princes in the Wartburg. But Lutherans would little later imprison the Anabaptist leader Fritz Erbe in the very same castle - because HE read the Bible differently when it came to baptism. Europe changed forever. Wars soon followed. It is true that in these clashes religion was often just a flimsy cover for political purposes. When, for example, the French Cardinal Richlieu supported the ambitions of Protestant rulers during the Thirty Years' War and thus cheerfully driving the horrors on, this was not done with regard to matters of faith, but to weaken Habsburg dominance in Europe promoting French interests. Irrationality, powerplays, social unrest, war and epidemics transformed religion from the immovable foundation of medieval culture into an uncertain ground on which people stood irreconcilably opposed. In the end pragmatic solutions won the day - and the individualization of religion. In a first step subjects were made to follow the religion of their respective rulers before a further process led to religious tolerance. Among the intellectuals new ideas took shape. If religion could no longer explain the world in a unified way and the search for wisdom and the ultimate reasons of existence had become a minefield, science was now to step into the breach - science as it was newly understood. In order to avoid the question of God, it was no longer to concern itself with the end, the goal of things and the why of it all. The focus was on the more mundane questions: what are things made of and how do they work? The focus shifted from meaning to utility. Soon the world itself was understood as a machine. And even if God was not initially denied, he was relegated to being there at the beginning like a watchmaker. Cogs fitted, adjusted, wound up and the "world" like a giant clock has been running ever since. Man's new task was to subdue this creation. According to the philosopher Descartes, man was to become "master and possessor of nature". No longer was he a gardener as in Genesis, as a caretaker and steward of God's works, but someone who through understanding could manipulate and make things useful for his own purposes. Man was no longer part of nature, but its subjugating master. At this threshold, the modern world begins. It has since been revealing the secrets of nature, promoting, preserving and often saving human lives through technological advancements. At the same time, however, a targeted exploitation and often destruction of the world was initiated by a philosophy that - devoid of any question of meaning - increasingly crossed ethical boundaries and several times has led humanity to the brink. And it may be the thing that ends us all. The fact that knowledge has become power - in a very literal sense - is both a blessing and a curse - and increasingly a curse, the less the questions "What is man in the final analysis?" and "Why is he" find a profound answer. It is not that these questions are obsolete because science has proven the meaninglessness of human existence. No. Modern science - or what people often mean, when they speak of “science” has been conceived, as we have seen, with a very narrow focus on the material, the quantifiable, the countable. Unlike elusive questions about wisdom and the meaning of life - questions that had to be argued over - science has led to practical inventions and machines. It is not as if there had not been any technological developments previously. There had been. But typically they were embedded in the deeper questions of mankind. They themselves were never at the center of thought and aspiration. The primary interest of the ancient world and also of Christianity was how man could lead a good and just life; what his destiny and ultimate goal were. Although medieval man, in the heyday of Aristotelian philosophy, broke down the thick Romanesque walls and built cathedrals high into he sky with the help of static calculations and feats of engineering, the stated ideal in the midst of this undoubted technological achievement was never the mastery of the cosmos, but the mastery over oneself through virtue and faith. That latter kind of mastery, I contend, is still worth pursuing. In fact if we want to speak of progress - there is no way around it. For the word progress has no meaning if we discern no meaning in the world. For only those that accept that there is an end, a goal, are able to judge if a particular thing, an invention, or development is in fact getting us closer to that end or will lead us further away.

[@katecherry5114]

Yes! I love this, especially the closing. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@accendilaluce8616]

I love the fact that you put the text of your closing thoughts at the end of your videos. I have collected and saved all of them into my notes for future reference and to share them with others. Thank you for such a wonderful gift.

[@LisaDoscher-xi4hd]

I love your words of truth, to me anyway. The word profound comes to my mind. Yes, progress comes at a cost doesn't it? With that, one has to make up their minds what to do with this progress. For good of all, or to be powerful because of it. Your work, and yes forgive me as I'm on your channel, Martijns as well, you both have put a bit more of a flame in my heart for getting back to my faith and my nature; albeit just in my yard. My faith, well I really don't have a particular religion, but it's always there. Your words are a nice, I want to say, reminder. I love your history from this as well. Thank you.

[@giholdaway]

Thank you and God bless you.

[@fiberbeads]

I am a larger picture sort of person. I NEED this before I can make sense of the smaller things, in which I find delight. Your narrative was hard to grasp because I do not have the history of the dance between religion and philosophy in my mental store. Still I am drawn to the format of your work (regardless of the fact that I am a huge fan of Martijn's work.) Keep stretching my comprehension of this crazy world. At the end of this video I just kept thinking there really IS something of a miracle in seeing how truely early the bees show up at the first opportunity. Thank you, Father.

[@LV12800]

I am so glad Martjn referred your channel. I am enjoying your videos immensely. Especially the filming of your mountainside - the landscapes and the small details. I also love seeing all the progress you make on your renovations and appreciate your spiritual curiosity and thoughts. It's all very harmonious. I believe living close to nature, is living close to God. Thank you for sharing your journey. ❤

[@lonewolfgeoff]

totally in agreement 😊

[@annetjievz]

Me three! 😊

[@Del213]

No god - just nature but agree with sentiment

[@0NTh3ScraGG]

💯

[@sandandcedar]

I really appreciate your on-screen species identification... particularly "Priest on slippery ground". 😆Your nature closeups overall are wonderful. And it was fascinating to watch the slow step-by-step progress as you built your walipini (a word I had never heard prior to your videos). Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@salvatoresesti4023]

I came here to post that. Just adds some lightness to an otherwise serious video

[@Beachcommander]

Happy that Martijn mensioned your channel 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@tassie2348]

Yes, i love birds and appreciate you identifying each species!!!❤

[@pegsbarton6353]

Yes, I had to Google walipini, not a word I'd come across before. Though I'd missed the 'priest on slippery ground' species ID 😊 they flick on and off very quickly, I'm still 'getting my eye in' as they say. I could listen to his voice all day, so soothing and calm... wonderful experience just hearing Johannes sharing his message.

[@lynnb6990]

Ditto

[@cozinhadela1603]

Thank you Father, for sharing your incredible daily life with us. And especially, thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflections.

[@sp6213]

can i just say again that i am absolutely loving the lack of ads throughout the video? god, that makes it a so much better experience

[@cindystimson3632]

I hope you continue your videos after Martjin returns. They are lovely and so much we can learn from you. I also love the calmness of them.

[@rsause]

Johannes, continue to enjoy this Sunday series, thank you. The changing beauty of the sky, mountains, valley and the close up of creatures, is so nicely done in your filming. I appreciate learning from your projects and considering your contemplations.

[@cshevlin]

Another great episode! I find myself walking away thinking. It’s not everyday a video on KZbin makes one do that. Thank you.

[@Zen-Mit-Chips]

Enjoying every episode, I love your chosen format, I feel a reflection at the end is perfect. I have totally unwound by the last 10 minutes. I know life is busy, but a monthly (or more) episode from yourself in this format would be, at least by me, welcomed. Definitely filling the gap while Martijn is away, but I will definitely continue to watch when he is back, it'll be a perfect Sunday night double bill relaxation.

[@Oz1111]

What a fix while Martjin is away on holiday!

[@TGTree]

OZ1111 😊 Johannes asked that we thank Martijn Doolard... but yet i never would have seen M.Doolaard's videos, if not for Fr. J. Full circle. I believe that all of us get to see the window of god-universe through these 2 brothers. Amen. They INSPIRE us to communicate. 😊

[@marymesquita2564]

Thank you for being a priest and for sharing these videos. May God bless you and everyone reading this.

[@cabincreature1242]

I am hopeful that you will continue this series - enjoy very much. Thank you for sharing.

[@user-so4ee8ww4p]

Спаси Вас Господи 🙏🙏🙏 Мир Вам🙏🙏🙏

[@susisgk2189]

Danke Johannes - wie schön Dich begleiten zu können. Friedvoll - verbunden.

[@marilyns6043]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us. ❤

[@yvonnereintjens3468]

Thank you for the beautiful, peaceful filming of the daily nature and activities in your beautiful surroundings. It helps us to become more aware of what is really important in our lives.🙏❤️

[@suepeterson5675]

Thank You , you are very inspiring. One does not have to do a lot of speaking to send a good message. I thank you again. 😊

[@kahrotall]

Thank You! Excellent Video - both from audio-visual, intellectual and spiritual part - You Have a Gift and I am so glad that You share that. Greetings from Estonia.

[@lindabrooks8242]

Thank You, for sharing a part of your life, Johannes. I am in awe of all that you have accomplished on this mountainside! It is fascinating, as well as gorgeous.

[@patriciagabig9912]

Thank you, Father for your philosophical musings. You have a skillful way of helping one understand and appreciate God’s beauty found in even the mundane.

[@nicholashesed1259]

Coming from a Catholic who lives and takes care of a Church and has priests as his boss:. I love your series, fantastic meditations, beautiful life. This series is truly valuable and meaningful. Trying to spread to friends.

[@andersonparks1390]

Man spürt, dass die Idee und die (filmische und textliche) Umsetzung spirituell inspiriert sind. Eine positive Kraft ist deutlich wahrnehmbar. Very inspiring, thank you, Johannes!

[@smaleport6821]

I can appreciate the desire to do your woodcutting, rockwork, and soil work by hand. While equipment and tools are easier and faster, you tend to lose your connection to 'source'. You feel a sense of satisfaction in a job well done by your own hand. I hope this comment makes sense. I live off the grid, and because of finances, etc. I don't often have the luxury of modern tools, yet my sense of accomplishment with the use of hand tools, slowing down, and having patience, it's all worth it.

[@simon54]

Thankyou very much for this lovely video. You are certainly not afraid of hard work! The variety you put into this and some great editing skills made it a delight to watch. And thanks to Martijn for recommending you. You brought a moment of peace and calm reflection to my sunday

[@MBFavazza]

Thank you for sharing your life. Listening to you speak is so calming. I was raised Roman Catholic, became non-practicing in my adult life, and have recently in the past 7 years gone back to my faith. Thank you for your guidance.

[@pmlm1571]

Welcome back home. It is the one True Faith, no substitutions will do :-)

[@basickarma7331]

I love your eye for nature.

[@robinhall3347]

beautiful videos, thanks for sharing! Happy, Healthy 2024 to you.

[@lisamarie2784]

Wow, the birds and bells at sunrise!❤️

[@paulas_lens]

That was the epitome of golden hour.

[@owengan9821]

Father, I enjoyed your video most profoundly! In particular, your spiritual and philosophical themes about the meaning of life!

[@gloriahuntington7354]

I look forward to closing out my Sunday evenings with your videos and especially your reflections at the end. I appreciate the text so I can go back and read them. Your voice, the surroundings and your words are so very calming . Thank you for this.

[@barbaradaly4930]

I especially enjoy the wildlife shots - birds frog fox goats ibex bees. Beautiful. Any wolves?

[@lisakenyon9429]

So very happy you have started posting videos on KZbin Johonnas. I am greatly enjoying your videos and reflection. It’s wonderful to find a man if God to share his thoughts and world with those of us out here who yearn for human interaction that is inspiring, deep, tranquil and with emphasis on our Heavenly Father! Thank you!!! God bless you! ♥️👩‍🌾♥️

[@user-dw9ux7yc3t]

A mountain top set adrift on a sea of clouds....Thank you for the beautiful visuals thought out this video. Love your new neighbor! We have toads and frogs in our pond and the gift of all the little tadpoles is a right joy to behold! (which you will have this spring to from the look of the frogspawn.) Nature never fails to dazzle me.....and thank you for the ID on the illusive "priest on slippery ground", not often seen in it's natural habitat.

[@janehodgetts6078]

Thankyou for the peace and quiet.

[@sovereigns1grace]

You are as fascinating as I always suspected! So glad you're here. I, too, am a part time hermit. I must have that quiet time to myself to reflect on all things inward and outward. You are very good at sharing your reflections. I am very glad for that.

[@lauraezell7723]

Beautifully shot episode. I, too, appreciated the identification of flora and fauna. Thank you especially for the inclusion of the text of your final thoughts, allowing us to listen, reread, ponder, and wonder.

[@AdamHeartlandADV]

This is seriously amazing. The scenes of nature are very close to perfection… I felt like I was there, incredibly spiritual.

[@andrewschwartz6895]

Ora et labora! Your conscience expressed through your patient and prayerful work is done with great care. The gardening, building, video editing, traveling, speaking and theorizing. It is such a gift, an inspiration. Thank you Fr. Johannes.

[@francoisvermaak1764]

I enjoy this series of yours. I also enjoy your thoughts and your mind.

[@ronwilliams729]

Another great video! I, also, like the species identifications, practical and spiritual insight! Very inspirational! Bless you!

[@garyinsalaco9530]

Love these videos ,love your views on our faith . Thank you 🙏 May our Lord continue to bless you Father .

[@shirleythurston4213]

Johannes, I eagerly await your video each week .. and am never disappointed. You provide that breath of fresh air that I think is missing from so many of our lives. Your reflections at the end of your videos are perfect .. they make me think about everything, in a good way, rather than be affected negatively by much of the rhetoric that we are subjected to on social media currently. We seem to be bombarded by idiots who have no idea of what is right and wrong, and just to listen to your inspirational words is soothing to my soul. Thank you ❤️

[@cozinhadela1603]

exactly

[@busydadscooking001]

Really enjoy your videos Johannes. The teaching monologue is very interesting, so yes I am listening to that part too :)

[@markham6000]

Thank you for sharing the text of your closing thoughts. Truly, these are inspirational thoughts and "food" for life. I only wish that I could "give" back... and return the "blessing" for you! Look forward to your next installment.

[@ilninfeocentrobenessere6602]

Valle Maira! A pochi passi da me! Grazie per queste bellissime immagini!

[@Juan-Pedro6612]

Fantastic impressions as well as inspirations you have given us Johannes, great work and very exciting to follow your monthly updates. Thanks for sharing 🙏🥰👌

[@susanyuill6270]

"White Tailed Bumble Bee on Goat Willow", "Red Admiral Butterfy" and "Priest on slippery ground". 😂😅. For being such an inspiration and bringing some of your joy, wisdom and very importantly HUMOR into my world, I gratefully send thanks Johannes ❤🙏

[@fredli5680]

Thank you Johannes for your wonderful videos with thoughts and reflections, you create a calm and a harmony when I listen to you at the same time as learning practical things in a daily life on the mountain.

[@nativetexson]

Thank you for another enjoyable and reflective vlog. The nature shots and identification (including the new neighbor) are spectacular. Cheers-

[@EighteenandCloudy]

'Priest on slippery ground' haha but in all seriousness, I love your videos. You capture the most beautiful footage of the little birds and the mammals that roam the mountainside. I am enjoying watching you build your walipini too. Your videos are beautifully filmed, you must have an immense back catalogue of footage from years gone by!

[@apusupa738]

Dear Mr. Donjojohannes, thank you for everything! And this is a lot.

[@ninamost5669]

Thank you so much for these series.. now I looking forward to them every Sunday! You have an amazing life embracing the nature in its glory and also its challenges .. As a birds lover I enjoy watching those beautiful creatures very much. I can imagine how rewarding it is to see the fruit of your hard labor later on.. And the finale: lecturing your thoughts, love them! Thanks again.

[@janiceguinot7397]

I imagine if I could hear God speak it would be in your voice. Your beautiful videos and your beautiful voice bring a soothing peace to me. Thank you.

[@uhaneokalanijames8029]

a man of knowledge is only guided as far as his knowledge can take him, but a man of wisdom is guided by not only his knowledge but the world around him.

[@MikeMoralesCalifornia]

This is the best 47 minutes of anything I've watched on KZbin all week, and I watch a lot of KZbin. Great job on the balcony and watching the construction of the lower greenhouse was instructional. Good luck through the rest of this winter, Fr. Johannes.

[@lynsmith2698]

Happy New Year. I am so loving this series. As I sit and watch you working the ground in March, I am sitting here under a blanket trying to keep warm as it’s -20 C tonight, I am loving the walipini, and you have inspired me to perhaps make one in the spring. I love your videos, thank you for sharing all the beauty of your land. 🇨🇦🌷

[@jannybranciforte9295]

That we as the human race have survived thru all of this multi-dimensional thought and activity thru the ages, brings me such utter gratitude. That I can sit here comfortably in my tiny house in Brooklyn, New York, and gaze into your life in the Italian Alps, seize the moments of pure nature and find incredible inspiration through your personal vision, on my screen, is such a twenty first century phenomena - a miracle that only the forces of the universe ( God, Nature, whatever one wants to name the Energy), technology, nature, faith and intelligence have made possible. Thank you for your thought provoking filmmaking and exquisite scenery. So grateful to you and Martijn for your brilliance, creativity, but most of all, your gentle but mighty strong spirits in creating and sharing your gifts with us all.

[@paulas_lens]

[@TheGarnetObsidian]

Father Johannes, it is heartwarming to see the animals in your life. it is always a joy to learn from you; thank you for the care you've taken in making these marvelous videos. Many blessings to you and yours.

[@Gnuddelunke]

Wie könnte man den Tag besser starten als mit Kaffee und Johannes? Vielen Dank!

[@dorisschwabe1651]

Vielen Dank, lieber Johannes für Deine Gedanken! Liebe Grüße aus Mödling. Doris

[@user-lj4jn1fx2k]

Wow! your thoughts at the end...profound and so true..thank you for giving voice to these things.

[@cephalopodx7587]

I guess all gardeners make almost all the same motions. You check your trees and plants EXACTLY the same way I do...a light touch here or there. 😍

[@brianfilkowski]

Good words from a great man. Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@monikacarless_wordwitch]

A lovely, reflective vlog, Johannes, I'm enjoying your philosophical shares. I'm a hermit at heart, so your place in the relative wilderness truly appeals to my soul. I was raised in the Catholic church, later defected to the Protestant, and now finally found home in a Pagan path. When I was a child, I had a priest friend, as well as a nun who were so very kind to me and were truly god-led. As an adult, I know I'll never return to the church, because my view of the church through the irreparable fate of the many 'witches' (read, mainly elderly women) killed through the centuries as heretics, as well as the sexual abuse of so many young boys, and the power-hunger which the church was built on, has killed all the affection I had for the institution. Having said that though, I find your intelligent thoughts on such matters illuminating.

[@MarioSanchez-ze2wq]

Contemplation, purpose and meaning. The nature of man. The hidden dimensions that are beyond our comprehension. As human beings we are embedded in a wonderful creation yet we settle for so much less. Thank You Father for your insightful sharing of the eternal realm. I feel like the frog in the water---- an observer-- in this awesome universe. Your written words bring tears to my eyes. I am a happy grateful imperfect man. Thank goodness for redemption.

[@anthonyi6572]

I’m going to bring your closing reflection to prayer this week and listen to it a few times.

[@derblitz76]

Danke Johannes.

[@tombattisti8682]

your reflections and filmography have now become a needed tonic after the just ended commercial mayhem which was once Christmas - thank you once more (from Mercer Island Washington)

[@paulas_lens]

How can you create the Christmas you want? What will you create? Rhetorical questions, btw Create it. If we all do, then it will be done.

[@theresaniemann3899]

What a blessung you are Fr. Johannes. Loved your statement that man is just a visitor to the mountain's and to live there he must be of sterner stuff. Would love to see you saying Masx in your little chapel.

[@marythompson1212]

Loved seeing your quince, forsythia and pussy willow already in bloom. I have all three in my tiny garden and when they bloom I know spring is upon us when they do. Right now on the east coast of the US the winter is so mild I have a few blooms on my quince already. I love that plant.

[@reneesmith7996]

Thank you for doing these videos, Fr. Johannes! You do an excellent job not only with the videography but with your thoughts at the end. It's Sunday and my sister and I finished leading a retreat this last week. A great way to begin the new year! And, I'm tired. Watching the beauty around your place - allowing myself to feel the breezes and enjoy the wildlife - nourished me. It was like a moving Visio divina. (Yes, I'm a follower of Jesus.). Thank you for a lovely way to decompress and prepare for another busy week.

[@dominiquetrammell4539]

Hello Fr. Johannes! I admire how you’ve used your creative freedom (as described in your February reflection) to design your home and grounds to make such functional & sustainable use of your natural surroundings. I think the result is beautiful. I don’t know about all those toys you used being only for men, though. Rosie of YT channel Roaming Wild Rosie has been playing with many of them herself while fixing up an old cabin in the Swedish forest these past few years:) Thank you for this wonderful series of videos!

[@jillmcnutt7985]

I love these videos and hope you’ll continue them. A white tailed bumblebee, a new neighbor in a pond, a spider in winter, sweet birds, nature and your reflection at the end is perfection and provides such peace. Gratitude. 🙏🏼❤️

[@nickingaciola7190]

To love nature is to love the gift given to all peoples of the earth. Even on the coldest of days when snow blankets the frozen ground and wind-whipped trees, my heart grows fond like the snow-covered Spring wildflowers waiting their turn when every time a bird's melody fills the air and a joyful song echoing with warmth and laughter. The soon-to-be humming of bees in a few short months paints a symphony of sweet devotion, reminding me of their tireless dance, their unwavering commitment. As for now, the cold wind whispers through the trees, rustling like the whispered promises we share, it's an animalistic purr vibrating in one's soul, a love fierce and boundless like the very essence of nature which I have always truly loved.

[@paulas_lens]

Lovely

[@nickingaciola7190]

@@paulas_lens Thank you...

[@robkilo]

The closing reflections in this series have been excellent so far, but this one is phenomenal. I'd never thought of the Reformation as a reactionary movement to a tradition of rationalism, and my mind is kind of blown; especially with the parallels to some of the 'my truth' ideologies of today.

[@lenoxlenox9447]

All you have to do is live full time in the USA and see it

[@fredhaines575]

THANKS FOR SHARING FATHER JOHANNES

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

Truly enjoyed the beautiful winter landscape and photography and the reflection at the end is still my favourite part. Science as people speak of today is a world belief system. It was from its inception conceived to displace and to war against the faith in our Heavenly Father's creation as the sole of his eye. We were, as you said meant to be gardeners and caretakers, good stewards of YAH's beautiful creation.

[@eziotaddeo1726]

In a word, WOW!!! the effort, physical effort to build the Walipini, old school, manual labour. Your closing monologue, interesting and relatable. Enjoying this presentation a lot Cheers

[@dianeb.4791]

I am enjoying your videos after being introduced to you when Martijn started his Italian Alps homestead. I’d now like to say how much I like Laura and Jonas and their “Land of Slow Living”. What a remarkable couple and I thank you for letting us know about their amazing life in Estonian…I’m almost caught up to the present! Cheers to you!

[@g.christelbecker6349]

I am also grateful for the introduction to Land of Slow Living. Thank you!!

[@helenasantos957]

I have always grown up removed from religion as my parents were never churchgoers and I was never baptised. And so, although I love philosophy and am fascinated by psychology, I have always felt distant from religious matters... until now! Thanks to you I have begun to see how belief and faith are so intertwined in everything, especially in the kind of slow paced and contemplative life you live and I so enjoy being a part of. Thank you. Great photography too! I really enjoy your channel.

[@robertfuller4721]

Great video! I LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT.

[@Dave_Boyer]

Man, talk about expanding my way of thinking about things..I will try to absorb as much of this as I can. I really appreciate this. It’s hard to put it all into words (I’m usually blunt and to the point) I was born and raised in the Catholic Church, but I don’t consider myself a overly religious person, but at the same time I can enjoy and appreciate these videos. At almost 55, I’m am no where near as wise. I feel like I’ve accomplished what Inset out to in my life, but man…there is so much more.

[@pmlm1571]

I love the rich legacy my parents gave me when they passed on, as their biggest inheritance, their Catholic faith to me. There is nothing like it as a true lens by which to see. Glory be to God.

[@lynnkhosla6277]

"At this threshold, the modern world begins." This sentence, identifying this moment in Western history, struck me. I live close to nature on an island off the coast of Maine, and I grew up in an agrarian society in the US (the southern US). I have always found people who live close to nature - in whatever circumstances - to seem more balanced than those who only know urban cultures, e.g. the "modern world" where Man feels he is in control. You make me think, Johannes. Watching you laboriously and consciously make improvements to your piece of the world - generally in support your gardens and nature - is a great metaphor for our struggle in the world. Thank you.

[@TGTree]

A blessing AND a curse. To those who experience and understand this... steadily go forward. Encouraging your good Spirit and embrace those who are living and loving of nature, science But not being controlled by what technology teached you. Fr. J speaks clearly. Fr. J speaks from his experience and knowledge as good human soul. I hope more and more, people will be inspired to listen to THEIR OWN good inner knower. Thankyou Fr. Johannes for expressing your examples, your love, your intuition, you experiences. TY. 😊

[@alexmack4385]

Fenomenale !! Probably how man was meant to live, in contemplation of nature and some sort of divine principle. But Father Schwarz has given us warnings, dolce e sotto voce...

[@lindaj6236]

Johannes, Thank you for this video! This is such and amazing combo of mountain life & history of religion/s and more. I welcome your videos into my journey here. The views of the snow covered mountains once again humbles me in my smallness here. Oh the majesty and mystery of this world! I appreciate someone like you, Johannes who can assist me ways to process it all! Grateful for you sharing your gifts, knowledge and insights. God is with you🙏🏻

[@terrisantiago9128]

Is beautiful home a beautiful scenery

[@estut]

Beautiful!

[@michaelodonoghue9385]

While I was absorbed by the hard work you put into the construction of your Underground Greenhouse, I was blown away by the clear thought and words of wisdom you bring to us at the closing if your podcast. Well done Farther Johanna’s

[@ingot95]

Vielen Dank lieber Johannes, Deine Videos sind toll!

[@vladislavovich100]

Usually lavender does pretty good under a snow cover- learned with my experience.

[@jonasisakers]

Your life and what you share is invaluable. Keep going. The daily life and your reflections are helpful and could be helpful to others. I am as you, yet different. Be well in what you do. Know what lies int he dark, yet, keep seeking the light. You are going the right way. Be well.

[@cece624]

There are so many wonderful comments by others. So, I’ll comment on something else from where we are in the western USA. This is now the fourth channel we watch from northern Italy-I’m in awe of how much stone is unearthed and repurposed in northern Italy!!

[@reubenstanley6393]

Another wonderful thought provoking blog. Slightly paradox with your blog reaching so many people Johannes, but a great insight nevertheless. Feel blessed that you were able to direct so many people, including myself to the couple from Belgium who have created a wonderful home and way of slow living in Estonia. May God continue to bless you and guide you in your life as a part time hermit and servant. 🙏❤️

[@DBurgg]

A small sketch of what you are doing with the walpini would be helpful. Will you plant just lemons or other citrus trees? Daunting work.

[@cassiamonteiro988]

Amo este sacerdote, pleno das coisas de Deus, mas, sobretudo, pleno do próprio Criador. 🙏❤️🙏

[@Coloradowatcher]

This upload made my wintry Sunday! I enjoyed the little European Robins, male and female. Also, the frog eggs and various insect life. I look forward to seeing all of your plantings and more of your gentle commentary.

[@karendorney4240]

Johannes. I really look forward to your weekly videos . I am a follower of Martjin and am so glad he referred us to your channel. I particularly like your reflection piece at the end of every video. You have a very calming tone to your voice which makes the reflection all the more enjoyable. I look forward to seeing more of your idyllic life.

[@Georgeberti]

Thank you Don for everything you do, I like your narrative! , happy New Year and cheers from Canada 🫶

[@duncanfrere2656]

Compelling closing reflection. Lovely channel! Thanks!