Pain, Happiness and the Misunderstood Pursuit of Contentment

08/28/23 • 49 min

Are you living a life that's merely happy or one that's contented? Strap in for an intriguing journey as we explore the profound concept of contentment. We strive to go beyond the surface-level chase of happiness, and delve into the search for a deep-rooted sense of peace and satisfaction. We dissect the often misunderstood relationship between pain and happiness, and how not all distress calls for a change in our lives. We provoke you to examine how happiness could be just an attempt to avoid the inevitable pain, and whether that's what we're really meant to do.
We also transcend cultural borders and language barriers, shining a spotlight on non-English vernaculars that embody unique perspectives on contentment. In particular, we unravel the Finnish ethos of 'Sisu' and Sweden's 'Lagom', and how they encapsulate distinctive ways of finding joy and contentment.
Toward the end, we delve into the power of purpose, that transcends our personal desires and yearnings. We contemplate the Christian paradox of seeking sacrifice and glory for God, and how this extraordinary pursuit can lead to a life of contentment. We also shed light on the complex links between depression, trauma, and our emotional state. In essence, we urge you to reflect on your 'bigger why', your ultimate purpose, and how it can set you on the path to finding a more profound sense of contentment. Buckle up for this eye-opening discussion, and set foot on your journey to a life of deeper contentment.
Show Notes:

Philippians 4:11-12 (HCSB) -Holman Christian Standard Bible
"I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need."
Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)
"Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you."
Sisu - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3oayAB3_XY
Lagom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhclKSeK_ZY

Philippians 4:11-12 (HCSB) -Holman Christian Standard Bible
"I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need."
Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)
"Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you."
Sisu - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3oayAB3_XY
Lagom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhclKSeK_ZY

Previous Episode

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: APA's Advisory

What if the constant scroll of social media is shaping your mental health more than you realize? What if the very tools designed to connect us are wreaking havoc on our relationships, our self-image, and our mental well-being? This episode explores the murky waters of social media and its intriguing yet alarming impact on our mental health. Drawing from the recent American Psychological Association's advisory, we unpack the multifaceted issues surrounding this modern phenomenon. From our personal experiences to wider societal implications, our conversation aims to decode the complexities without any bias.
The internet's public access since 1995, the dot-com boom, and the introduction of the like button and retweet in 2011 have undoubtedly revolutionized our world. Yet, the rapid, exponential growth of social media since 2007, brings along a mixed bag of impacts. This episode examines the good, the bad, and the ugly - shedding light on the behind-the-scenes psychological tactics that create an addictive environment. But it’s not all doom and gloom; we also discuss the positive influence of social media in our pandemic-stricken world.
The role of parents and youth workers in helping young people understand and navigate the psychological effects of social media is crucial. The APA's guidelines for social media literacy offer a roadmap, but following it and enforcing boundaries can be daunting. Tune in as we discuss ways to break the vicious cycle of seeking dopamine hits from social media, the importance of ongoing conversations with teenagers, and the need for regular social media breaks. This enlightening conversation promises to help you, and your children, navigate the digital universe with wisdom and discernment. Don't miss out!
Show Notes:
- https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use
- https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf
- Jonathan Haidt - https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-of-American-Mind-audiobook/dp/B079P7PDWB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=391YHSRV5FDV2&keywords=jonathan+haidt+the+coddling+of+the+american+mind&qid=1692305709&sprefix=jonathan+ha%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1
- Scripture reflection: "8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. -- Philippians 4:8-9 (CSB)"

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Church Psychology - Pain, Happiness and the Misunderstood Pursuit of Contentment

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.641

Welcome to Church Psychology . This is Dr David Hall . Today , matt and I have a conversation about the concept of contentment , how it relates to what we think about in happiness . What are the things that we do or don't do that tend to increase or decrease our sense of contentment ? What does that mean in the context of a scriptural view of healthy Christian formation ? All that