Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

We received such a great response to the practices and moments of quiet reflection that we included in our most recent episodes that we decided to do the same thing with Lent. The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the deeper dynamics and rhythms of the spiritual life by walking closely with Jesus and learning from him as we go. In this season of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast, we are privileged to prepare and walk through the season of Lent together.

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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 during Lent and receive an e-reader version of Lent: A Season of Returning. Learn more.

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We received such a great response to the practices and moments of quiet reflection that we included in our most recent episodes that we decided to do the same thing with Lent. The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the deeper dynamics and rhythms of the spiritual life by walking closely with Jesus and learning from him as we go. In this season of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast, we are privileged to prepare and walk through the season of Lent together.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Exploring Further:

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 during Lent and receive an e-reader version of Lent: A Season of Returning. Learn more.

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Ruth begins by sharing just how important the rhythm of retreat has been for her life. What is the one thing that must be present in a retreat center. Ruth shares about the lifting power of retreat and why you don’t pull up the plant to see if the roots are growing. Now it is time to show up on retreat and let God show up. We end with God's invitation to us in Isaiah 30.

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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.

How do we return from retreat? In this episode we get some much needed counsel and a little help from Aslan. Ruth gives very practical advice on how to return home after a retreat. Are you a blurter? Some warning about sharing your retreat experience.

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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.

Is it really possible? We begin by dealing with Steve’s resistance to the chapter title. Steve might or might not be having an existential crisis. Are you the responsible one? Maybe you can start with considering where you do have freedom. What are disordered and ordered attachments and how does it relate to spiritual freedom? Ruth concludes by sharing a beautiful poem she carries with her by David Whyte.

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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.

Often time on retreat there is sadness that takes one by surprise. Who do I want to be and how do I want to live so I can be who I want to be are important questions for recalibrating on retreat. What is the question Jesus wants to be with us on retreat? Jesus wants to interact with us about the questions we have. A full episode full of great invitations. You will want to create space to do the practice at the end of the episode.

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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.

If you have gotten this far and are still wondering if a retreat is a necessary practice, we knock it out of the park with discussing Jesus’ pattern of retreat. Jesus utilizes retreat for discernment even though he knew everything. Ruth shares three categories of discernment that can be practiced on retreat. Settle the crazy down! Don’t miss the great discussion Ruth and Steve have about discernment as a relationship instead of as a transaction.  

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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.

We start with defining what is meant by false self patterns and where it fits into our spiritual journey. Ruth shares her perspective on the current popularity of the Enneagram right now. Just noticing is an important part of the journey of relinquishing. The good news is there are spiritual practices for each number on the enneagram and there are specific ways you can approach retreat based on your enneagram number. We end with some helpful advice on how to approach the enneagram to help you utilize it for your transformation.

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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.

Steve has control issues even if surrender is one of the major movements of the spiritual life. Retreat is a powerful tool to practice surrender. Could your absence from those you love while on retreat be a ministry? Ruth discusses the ministry of absence. Ruth also shares a personal story about her daughter, and how being away on retreat was an opportunity for God to care for those she loved.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Invitation to Retreat, Ruth Haley Barton

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Music in Solitude

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.