ADDICTED TO HAPPINESS. HOW OUR ADDICTION TO HAPPINESS RUINS OUR LIFE.

[@prosperikiensikimama2957]

I needed this today. God bless you Father 🙏

[@KaiAnneClews]

"Our modern happiness is boring and impersonal, and nothing impersonal comes from God." ❤

[@xSapphiirexx]

This is SUCH a great message!!🙏❤️‍🔥

[@marieotu1612]

Awesome, teaching, Father, thank you..

[@Rovinarul]

"Pride tries to imagine a world and live in it. Humility receives the world as God built it." Saint Sophrony of Essex

[@WittyComm3nter]

"Be happy that it's wind outside"... largest gust of wind in the whole video occurs immediately after. That made me happy haha

[@minimin6766]

Father, you are so right. The world keeps telling us to chase things that in the end we will never reach, that don't even exist. Happiness is not found in costly vacations, expensive gifts, huge modern houses, expensive cars, etc. You get all that and start chasing something else, and you end up never finding the happiness, you maybe just pretend to be happy for your social media so can fool others and make them chase the same illusion. Christ was good to me and opened my eyes. Since then I don't care much if it's summer or winter, if it's sunny or rainy, I just try to live the moment and find happiness close to me in simple things. The most happy I am when I feel Christ close to me, and that happens in the church or in my personal prayer. Thank you Lord for opening my eyes and my heart!

[@kevinmckay6815]

I'm addicted to these videos from Father S.

[@remahunt4277]

Kevin McKay Me tooTotally...

[@dalescott831]

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. - Ps. 30:4-6

[@zzzaaayyynnn]

What a wonderful examination of our false goals: Father Seraphim has a way of diving into the core of the issue and bringing up pearls of wisdom.

[@rockwall6]

I am not looking for happiness but for a meaningful life with a thankful heart towards God.

[@emmap1159]

I love you Father. You make me smile.

[@ofirshorshy8281]

🙏🙏🙏That is a really good reminder. I do find ,yself cauth in this illusion of what I think is happiness and what would make me happy and I struggle for happiness. Thank you.

[@jeridburleson2100]

Thank you father glory be to God.

[@OmShaanti1111]

To everyone reading this: May the JOY of the Lord be on you. This is never dependent on your external circumstances, when Jesus resides in us, through His Spirit, we can find joy within even when we are crying outside. Happiness is fleeting and superficial, find your JOY in the Most High - rest in Him and His faithfulness. God bless you 🙏

[@PhoebeK]

Father, as ever your message is so pertinent. Through my struggles with mental heath problems I have learnt that the recipes for happiness bring the opposite for me. Rather as I have learnt about myself and discovered that I exist best in relation to God whatever the world thinks, I have found joy. I have also found that being able to identify as part of the Autistic community has given me the freedom to reject the prescribed expectations of the world and learn from some of the most joyous if in some ways most limited people it is possible to know. Small children and those with profound learning impairments tend to be the most joyous in my experience as they just take life as it comes and find the good things in every situation even if it is as little as a single flower in growing through a crack in the path or the song of a single bird. With finding my Joy in God happiness no longer matters as I can be filled with God's joy even when in the most difficult and painful times. I no longer care to be happy, I just want to be with my beloved God and share in the joy that relationship brings, everything else is secondary.

[@JasmineTheSaint]

Thank you, Father. My mother passed away last wednesday are we are trying to adjust with life without her.

[@razorrob73]

I'm so sorry, Jasmine. Have mercy Holy Trinity on her Mother's repose and memory, and through the intercession of the Heavenly kingdom, have mercy on Jasmine's family and dear friends, through this time of mourning. Thank you. Amen.

[@shawnhampton8503]

This is so true. Our entire marketing, advertising, and social media is built on the false chase for "fun" or "happiness".

[@johnpaulhumphrey2981]

I hear this nowhere else. Thank you! As I head toward Orthodoxy, I forsee a stretch of desert, and there is the temptation to bow before the empty worldly "sacrament" of happiness, and stay in my current position where no one gets upset. Pray for me.

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

I too heading towards Orthodoxy been in that desert for 20 plus years I see a patch of an Oasis not too far ahead but not quite there yet will be praying to say one for me and you'll be there too

[@maryzimmerman2699]

My oldest had a journaling gift for Christmas. All over it it has quotes that say things like "find your happy, do more of what makes you happy, you do you" and in the USA at least I feel these statements can be harmful. In the the way of disappointment and dissatisfaction with life I suppose. I mean if you take it as take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery on your way to work, then that's great. But living in a world of exceptable narcissistic practices and instant gratification. These phrases are not the bricks to build a strong productive adult.

[@nps737]

Oh thank you father live fre amen

[@atoadigi]

Let us all be given the grace to follow this Wisdom that comes from on high, and no longer follow the wisdom or spirit of this world, Amen!!!

[@kaybrown4010]

I thank your grandparents for showing you what it’s like to be fully human, embracing everything wholeheartedly, with thanksgiving to God. May their memory be eternal. ☦️❤️

[@annesmith9181]

This examination of “happiness” is so spot on. Simply brilliant. This Follower of Christ is a Master Speaker and magnificent communicator.

[@raggedyman6327]

One cannot grow with perpetual happiness. Thankyou 🙏

[@zita-lein]

Brilliant! ❤

[@ΜαρίνοςΤ-μ4ρ]

Exactly. We take those small moments of happiness in a hard and unjust life on Earth.

[@zane62135]

Thank you for this talk! I'm so burnt out in regards to technology and the internet, at this point it gives me literally no joy whatsoever. The only thing that gives me happiness is stepping outside and looking around. Enjoying the sun's rays hitting my face, hearing all sorts of sounds, watching stressed people drive around in their cars...it's actually amazing how much stuff there is to enjoy anywhere on earth, if you just put some effort into appreciating it.

[@tutuianualexandru9187]

Doamne ajuta, parinte Serafim. Desi in România avem atat de multi duhovnici plini de har, cuvântările dumneavoastră sunt minunate si atat de bine ne explicati problemele cotidiene in context duhovnicesc. Va rog mult daca nu va deranjeaza prea tare poate aveti un pic de timp in plus pe viitor sa ni le traduceti si in română. Binecuvântați parinte. Si mulțumesc mult.

[@xAzuras62x]

Father Seraphim, you truly speaks the Water of Life. These words, though often showing me my true status, always give me a deep insight and hope and direction how to move on, on the narrow path. My our Lord bless you and the monastery again and again and again!

[@miriam4091]

Happiness is in the simplicity we choose to have and do; not the artificial high much of the world gives us. Thankyou for this penetrating lesson! God bless from Canada.....

[@thehooksman]

Dear Fr. Seraphim, Thanks for your videos. They have enriched my spiritual life over the last year. I even found and purchased the book "Sayings of the Desert Fathers" that you were reading from in the video on being dead to the world. I'm a Lutheran pastor and I have been doing a study series during Lent for my congregation on the Desert Fathers. Thank you again, and may God continue to bless you and all at Mull.

[@tonysears7429]

God bless you .... . I always thank our Holy Trinity for your videos and your teaching ...... you hit the mark on every topic that allows self reflection and spiritual growth....you always leave me smiling..

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

Beautiful sermon - this makes me think of Boethius - never be too dependent on Lady Fortune

[@tamochiko]

Thank you father 😊 wish you all the best

[@cata2215]

Thank you again Father Seraphim! I have a card on my dresser that says “Embrace every experience you have in your life, good ones and bad ones.” I heard it on a travel program where the host was interviewing a nun at a Greek monastery. This was her “best advice” on “life”. It brought me to tears and true conviction that I don’t live my life this way. You have once again confirmed a deep secret from God. Lord have mercy! Help me.

[@s.d.berquist6866]

Thank you, Fr. Seraphim

[@МилијанЛакић]

Videos are aswome and very useful for us. Greeteng from Belgrade!

[@franzseedorf8799]

This sermon has made me happy 😊

[@zorangelev2117]

Before internet movies we're similar and had similar effects on our mind and soul, a lot expectations in live we became blind...

[@lizsalmon533]

Thank you Fr Seraphim once again for your message today. As a person going through a time of uncertainty about my life and direction, your message today has pressed home what is necessary for our growth. Praying for you and all at the monastery and all my brothers and sisters.

[@maryprochilo4498]

My moments of saddness brings me closer to God in prayer. When im feeling happy I get distracted in doing things and going places. It takes more effort to stay focused on The Lord when I'm busy in the world. Saddness is good for my restless soul. Love you, brother

[@Erstus]

It's amazing how at the exact moment in the end of the video, when he said to be happy about the wind, there was a loud gust of wind there to confirm its awesomeness.

[@prypiat27]

Be content through the seasons, all of them, and give praise to the Lord for allowing us to read his word and pray to Him. Experiencing our undeserved grace from the Lord. Its matter of being thankful and content.

[@vivienne4686]

YESSSSS! Spot on! Father, you are a sword of truth!!!!! 🙏🏻

[@SIEBEGORMEN]

Wonderful talks with a most impassioned delivery

[@katkat2340]

Amen Amen Amen

[@andrewklager1347]

Looks and sounds very windy there, Fr Seraphim ... I was wondering if that telephone pole in the window might topple over 🙂 This is such a beautiful message, Fr - I think it’s my favourite video you’ve made so far. You’ve given us such an important message that we all need to hear over and over again. It also connects nicely with my own current research and writing on how our false selves are constructed through our imitation of the desires of others, wherein we mistakenly think that we are our choices. Our true selves desire only God and union with Him, with Christ as our archetype of becoming human, which is only the continuation of our creation as humans from Genesis 1-2 until the point when Christ uttered, “It is finished,” while hanging on the cross that we’re all also called to take up and participate in. Thank you again for this beautiful teaching.

[@zacharylowreyna]

Thanks for this Father. As someone who has struggled both with substance addiction and clinical depression it resonated closely with my heart. I was reminded of the Israelites at the foot of Sinai who preferring a ready-made solution chose the golden calf to the amorphous living God. It is very easy for me to fall into the belief that happiness is 1) a specific, ready-made thing which I simply lack and 2) the whole purpose of life. But this makes an idol out of happiness, not only blinding me to the small ways happiness surrounds me all the time, but worse, making me feel like I somehow lack something essential to life. In the end, this makes me miss that the living, undefinable God is waiting to fill me in a way that will superabundantly exceed my deepest hopes and longings. In elevating happiness to the highest good in life I constantly miss that God is calling out and dusting off the god within me. I trade the wonder of becoming god for a fleeting emotional state. True happiness--joy--comes not from attaining certain things or situations, but seeing even the most trying experiences as carefully planned hammer hits by the undefinable God working to uncover the true life in me.

[@JuliaJayATOP]

I want to flee the world...pray for me Father🙏🏼😇🕯☦️

[@cathy3130]

Fr. Seraphim, Thank you for this video. I loved listening to you talk about your grandparents. Hearing the passion in your voice talking about their lives was like receiving Jesus Christ as you described their lives. My grandparents (from a different country in Europe) gave to me an experience about their lives that blessed me with a down to earth and Spirit in Jesus Christ blessing. Forgive me for saying this (incase I'm not qualified to talk from my level of the laity to you, a Holy Monk)..."The blessed Trinity and the saints are among us through Jesus Christ". These days I take care of my mother, their daughter, and I am having blessings which I never expected to experience. I'm learning more about them from my mother. It is a beautiful blessing that I hope will continue even after her passing on to be with the Lord Jesus.

[@buffedtrainer1]

Nothing is more important than that you feel good, because when you're deliberatley choosing to feel good, then and only then can you connect and reunite yourself to God. God is pure positive energy and one of the ways to align yourself with that is through appreciation and through loving youraself enough to choose happiness. Happiness is anything but inpersonal.

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

I agree happiness comes from within. My troubles are self-sabotaging myself and believing I'm loved by certain people and considered family by these people when their actions are just the opposite I love not making plans unless along with God deny yourself daily and take up the cross

[@justinmihoc7691]

Resilience isn't born out of comfort and happiness, or through controlling every aspect of our life at all times. I often think about what makes one wise, and wisdom is indeed a goal in every society/time: it is to have lived experience rather than success and happiness. Very good video, Father. May the Lord keep you healthy and in peace to continue to teach and soothe souls.

[@johnmorrison8513]

Fr. Seraphim, thank you for your beautiful words regarding our obsession with being happy at all times. The thoughts you share are so helpful! Blessings to you!

[@thomaslovell7861]

Once again, your spoken word cuts to the heart of things. Thank you for your continuing ministry. I pray Christ richly bless you today and every day. I will visit Mull if the Lord opens the way. Peace. Tom

[@andreashirt9424]

thank you very much for your work i am melancoiic but thanks god that is not depression that is a big diverence

[@thanasistama3943]

Good talk.

[@radamanthus]

Thank you, Father Seraphim. These videos are helping me immensely in my journey to Holy Orthodoxy

[@gretagarbo6930]

It s not remote!you have to run away from people!they usually turn your heart into pieces.my heart sinks.because of the pain,one can t even speak. And yet,I built my happiness on the people whom I love.suffering is always inherent to love.One cannot be happy all the time.how could I?when my friend is fiercely hurting?

[@JuliaJayATOP]

Wonderful words of inspiration today father bless thank you 🙏🏼

[@ruthshivani]

brilliant sharing .. thankyou

[@GuydiscipleofJESUS]

Blessings in JESUS MIGHTY NAME 💜

[@crystalbarnard3905]

Thank you, Father, for the moving reminder of where our true happiness is to be found. My day suddenly feels lighter and brighter! God bless you!

[@andreashirt9424]

love and you will be happy if you want god loves god is love

[@Charlyfox1966]

THANK YOU father for these words they are very true,I can recognize this attitude about having to be constantly happy, So now i know why it feels wrong....I like the vision of true happiness you offer, like something i nearly had lost and forgotten. May God give also the strength and the trust in Him to embrace all facettes of life we may experience

[@ChibiBoxing]

Amazing video, everytime I think I don't need to watch your video because I think is not directed to me, it makes such a great impact in myself...thank you so much.

[@vince3292]

👏👏👏 Brilliant Father! All Praise and Thanks to the Holy Spirit at work through your most valuable on point message ! ✔ Praise Be To God. 🙏🙏🙏

[@InTheWind_]

I love the sound of the sea outside of your window. God is good!

[@melissadifini2190]

Amen . Thank you !

[@barbuciprian9823]

Sarutmana Parinte imi plac foarte mult postarile dvs , imi ating sufletul .Imi pare foarte rau ca nu stiu engleza .Am vazut ca ultimele postari nu au subtitrare in limba romana .Va rog din suflet ,nu stiu daca depinde de dvs ,puteti sa puneti subtitrare si in limba romana.Va multumesc si ma iertati! Maria Barbu

[@BpGregor]

Thank you for your time Father Seraphim.

[@ftweedy5580]

Loved this !!!!! Thank you. Praying for you

[@danielwoldu1855]

Too much Happiness may lead to abnormal life .

[@kidistiamaniel6524]

Father thank you for your Sharing this video with us as we Christian Orthodox yes we supposed to be happy amen amen amen thank you God for everything✝️✝️✝️

[@marionsolace9646]

I was unhappy all my life until i met a guy who i overheard saying: "-im not happy, something is not right!". I then realised that feeling happy or not can be used as an indication to wether one shpuld stay in a situation or not. I had never been happy so unhappy was the norm for me. But after that i dont settle for less. His words resonated within me and i understood how deprived and misled i had been of this. My goal is to be happy!

[@deborahbrayton276]

Good to hear from you. Have a,blessed day...

[@ddixon172]

True lasting ,happiness only comes when you serve others putting their needs before your own.

[@philstevenson6067]

Timely and beautiful words of wisdom.

[@heatherwhitehead3743]

One time someone challenged me to some philosophical debate. His stance was that the meaning in life is to be happy. Reaching nirvana here I suppose. I only know I am most happy when I am helping someone else. Thankyou for these Lenten talks Father.

[@Alexander-Herman]

Great message.

[@bdnl6268]

"I will lead her into the desert, and speak to her heart....."Hosea 2, 16 NAB.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Amen

[@philipjones369]

Thank you, Father, for all the well-defined points that slip the average thinker. We who believe and trust in the Lord and carrie out procedures reassuring our loyalty and love of Christ that we will live again through his sacrifice. We are under attack many times during the day and night even when we are sleeping. Dreams can be devilish? Joy I find is a better word to describe my feelings when I reach an equilibrium between good sounds and my belief in a God who is schooling me for another existence in the place prepared by our Lord. We have commandments to consider in as much as living a life that pleases our Father and not using our free will against his purpose and reasoning. It's easier to be happier without the daily problems that most people go through every day, like getting to work that something you don't have to do. It's a nightmare and when we get time to dream and dwell in good thoughts it's nice to find some happiness? Life is a struggle for many of us. I am pleased that there are still good disciples like yourself, breaking down the outer crust and finding the real purpose of it all. Shalom.

[@Mary-ui4im]

So beautiful Father. Amen 🙏

[@socol76]

God bless you, I was really just wanting to find such information just now and here was the video right in front of me when I turned on KZbin!

[@janniemay4966]

I am glad you brought this up

[@amberlynnlawrence7469]

Your videos always encourage me in the faith! Please keep making them!

[@rebeccamcgrath3748]

I can't believe how true this is!😫 Thank you for opening my mind to this. God bless you.

[@ak99]

Thank you Father! This changed my world for the better.. me praying to win the lotto has made me see I was mocking God.

[@JJ-ik7zw]

Amen. The feeling of not being safe.

[@gretagarbo6930]

HOW BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO SHOW MERCY,FOR MERCY SHALL BE SHOWN TO THEM.HOW BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS,GOD SHALL CALL THEM HIS SONS.Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted.We don t fully understand what the Saviour meant to say.But when He said blessed are those who are persecuted,He bore the persecution Himself.when He said blessed are those who thirst,He said on a cross:I am thirsty! We can t avoid suffering.one must endure it in the name of love.His Presence is happiness.He will give you the strength to undergo the suffering.Rejoice and be glad,for your reward will be great in heaven

[@parysethibodeau9474]

beautifully truthful Father!! thank you and God bless you and everyone at the Monastery!!

[@lenacrang4025]

Being happy does not mean you have everything - happy is being satisfied with what you have - Daily Gratitude and Blessings - saying 'I love you Jesus'

[@marshabrubaker185]

Another excellent message. Blessings on you & the monastery.

[@fr.victorinoterradillosort9089]

Paz y bien. Amén.

[@emilysimmons3529]

Both comforting and convicting at the same time. Thank you, Father!

[@brianbachinger6357]

Peace is more important than happiness. But let's not downplay the role of happiness. The psalms not only have laments but also praise and joy. We must experience the full range of human emotions in order to know how to handle the peace of God. Faith that isn't tested isn't faith.

[@charmingSaint]

Thank you For understanding me I'm not a happy person I'm a miserable person and I feel more comfortable now listening to you this was the most beautiful moment spending time with you and listening to you.

[@AbbyS933]

This is amazing!!!