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Finding Happiness
Why is 'being happy' such an imperative nowadays? What meaning do people give happiness? In this audiobook Abbot Christopher turns to monastic wisdom to offer answers, and to explain that in essence happiness is a gift not an achievement, the fruit of giving and receiving blessings. Everybody is searching for happiness but not everybody knows how to find it. In modern Britain, more and more people say that their life is too materialistic and superficial, which leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction. Our consumer culture encourages the belief that happiness comes with pleasure, but this book will challenge that belief and encourage alternative approaches to how we view happiness.
Following the same accessible and engaging format of Finding Sanctuary, Abbot Christopher looks in turn at the demons that make us unhappy. As we face the causes of our unhappiness, we are blessed with an authentic joy that is the real meaning of happiness.
Following the same accessible and engaging format of Finding Sanctuary, Abbot Christopher looks in turn at the demons that make us unhappy. As we face the causes of our unhappiness, we are blessed with an authentic joy that is the real meaning of happiness.
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First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 21, 2011
It took me a long time to read this, but it's worth reading slowly. Once again, Abbot Jamison writes in a beautifully simple and clear style but with so much depth and wisdom you can only take it in (or I could) in short bites. He really has his finger on the pulse of the current culture and suggests long-used monastic and spiritual solutions to our ills with humility and compassion - no judging, no preaching. I love this. It's going on my shelf next to Finding Sanctuary, to be treasured and re-read till worn out.
March 11, 2021
I bought this book because I was fortunate to hear Abbott Christopher talk about Benedictine spirituality and I wanted to learn more. There are some helpful and penetrating analyses of some fatal mistakes at the root of our society and culture. I enjoyed the first chapter on the history of happiness – on beauty and truth. I liked the second chapter that describes the freedom of the monastic life (and that of the monk or nun in us all). I found the chapter on Acedia useful as this is little understood. But then I started to struggle.
I think there is lots of good advice here. The references to steps 4–12 of 12-step spirituality are pertinent, for we are all addicts. But please take care and use discretion before adopting his advice. It is not all good. Abbott Christopher doesn't refer to steps 1–3. I think this is a profound flaw in this book.
Here are just two examples of what concerns me. (1) In the chapter on Anger, he suggests that rather than be angry at others one should be angry with oneself. This is not right. Too many depressed people are ill because of anger at themselves. Our anger needs to be approached, but not in this way. (2) The chapter on Lust contains outdated Roman Catholic views on relationships that don’t have the thoughtfulness and openness to the modern complexity of understanding about sexuality and gender that Pope Francis seems to want to embrace.
I missed a sense of self-compassion in this book. In religion and spirituality, one does not try to change by exerting self-will. Change begins by showing one's perceived faults to God. God may challenge us but is always loving and compassionate with us in response. This is the movement of steps 1–3 of the 12 steps. These steps are missing in this book.
I think there is lots of good advice here. The references to steps 4–12 of 12-step spirituality are pertinent, for we are all addicts. But please take care and use discretion before adopting his advice. It is not all good. Abbott Christopher doesn't refer to steps 1–3. I think this is a profound flaw in this book.
Here are just two examples of what concerns me. (1) In the chapter on Anger, he suggests that rather than be angry at others one should be angry with oneself. This is not right. Too many depressed people are ill because of anger at themselves. Our anger needs to be approached, but not in this way. (2) The chapter on Lust contains outdated Roman Catholic views on relationships that don’t have the thoughtfulness and openness to the modern complexity of understanding about sexuality and gender that Pope Francis seems to want to embrace.
I missed a sense of self-compassion in this book. In religion and spirituality, one does not try to change by exerting self-will. Change begins by showing one's perceived faults to God. God may challenge us but is always loving and compassionate with us in response. This is the movement of steps 1–3 of the 12 steps. These steps are missing in this book.
February 20, 2011
Very readable book using the 7 deadly sine + spiritual apathy to make you think about happiness.
July 20, 2019
This and "Finding Sanctuary" are rereads. They are a wonderful insight into the life of a Catholic monastic but also wonderful guides into bringing that peace into everyday life.
November 6, 2023
A thoughtful and intelligent book about emotions. It is much needed in a culture that can swing between viewing emotions as either wrong (to be repressed or avoided) or as a means to be guided through life. Abbot Jamison treads a helpful middle ground. I found the chapters on anger and apathy the most interesting but there were nuggets of wisdom throughout. He makes a connection between the way the desert fathers / mothers approached emotions and modern CBT, which was interesting, and that I'd like to think more about. I also feel like I now understand more about why people chose to become monks. There were some things I didn't quite agree with from a theological perspective, but also lots to learn.
March 22, 2025
While there were nuggets of wisdom in this book, and I appreciate it for offering a rather different approach to happiness than most other books, I found it overall highly disappointing.
Jamison's approach was to consider happiness based on the "eight thoughts", which I had never heard of but which are essentially the seven deadly sins plus acedia (spiritual apathy). This was, to me, a novel approach, and I generally think there is much we can learn from ancient or traditional practices.
Unfortunately, however, most of the chapters seemed to be based on nothing more reciting Christian doctrine and then proferring his own opinions, usually in a way that is critical of young people. (Jamison previously worked as a high school teacher, and the book gives the impression that he has become jaded about teenagers and young people as a result).
The chapter on lust didn't really say anything other than that lust was bad, that sex should only be within marriage, that monks are good for avoiding sex, oh and that priests who abuse children has nothing to do with celibacy (conveniently lacking in any data or evidence to support this).
Another irritating chapter was that of anger, in which Jamison suggests that we should avoid anger at others but should remain angry towards ourselves, because that is how we improve ourselves (?!?!). Which not only sounds like it undermines much of modern psychology, but also seems to run contrary to the Christian premise too.
Another common pillar of Jamison's logic was to look at the origin of a word as evidence of its *true* modern meaning. Although it's always interesting to learn of a word's linguistic origins, it doesn't make sense to me to build your entire argument around this as though language does not evolve.
Overall, I think there's still much we can learn from the way monks live, especially with regards to over-consumption and the "cult of celebrity" (the chapters on gluttony and vanity were rather interesting). It is admirable how monks can live with so few possessions, and reading about the lifestyle has made me consider my own (over)consumption habits.
Jamison's approach was to consider happiness based on the "eight thoughts", which I had never heard of but which are essentially the seven deadly sins plus acedia (spiritual apathy). This was, to me, a novel approach, and I generally think there is much we can learn from ancient or traditional practices.
Unfortunately, however, most of the chapters seemed to be based on nothing more reciting Christian doctrine and then proferring his own opinions, usually in a way that is critical of young people. (Jamison previously worked as a high school teacher, and the book gives the impression that he has become jaded about teenagers and young people as a result).
The chapter on lust didn't really say anything other than that lust was bad, that sex should only be within marriage, that monks are good for avoiding sex, oh and that priests who abuse children has nothing to do with celibacy (conveniently lacking in any data or evidence to support this).
Another irritating chapter was that of anger, in which Jamison suggests that we should avoid anger at others but should remain angry towards ourselves, because that is how we improve ourselves (?!?!). Which not only sounds like it undermines much of modern psychology, but also seems to run contrary to the Christian premise too.
Another common pillar of Jamison's logic was to look at the origin of a word as evidence of its *true* modern meaning. Although it's always interesting to learn of a word's linguistic origins, it doesn't make sense to me to build your entire argument around this as though language does not evolve.
Overall, I think there's still much we can learn from the way monks live, especially with regards to over-consumption and the "cult of celebrity" (the chapters on gluttony and vanity were rather interesting). It is admirable how monks can live with so few possessions, and reading about the lifestyle has made me consider my own (over)consumption habits.
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December 16, 2024ne av hjertet - om lykke av benediktinermunken Christopher Jamison
Boka Lykke Klostervisdom for et godt liv av Christopher Jamison har ligget i bokhylla en god stund. Jamison er en ganske berømt abbed, ikke mist fordi BBC lagde en slags klosterrealityserie der fem "vanlige" menn fikk prøve å leve etter Benedikts regler i 40 dager. Ietterkant av dette har Jamison skrevet to bøker og dette er den andre. Den første boka heter Finding sanctuary Monastic steps for Everyday life, og er vel på mange måter i samme gate. Kort kan man si at bøkene handler om hvordan leve et åndelig liv eller om det indre åndelige livet. Boka er utfordrende. Idealet som framstilles er å leve et ganske så disiplinert åndelig liv der man foruten åndelige rutiner ikke skeier ut i matveien eller lar kroppen forfalle.
Bokas tittel kan få en til å tro at dette er en slags selvhjelpsbok for ulykkelige mennesker. Det spesielle er at den henter sine "råd" fra ørkenfedrene og mødrene og ikke minst fra Benedikt fra Nursia som levde på 500-tallet. Hans regler kan man langt vei er aktuelle livsråd for moderne mennesker.
På en måte kan det virke som om boka har en ganske krass og negativ vinkling. Etter å ha skrevet om "de rene av hjertet" skriver han om tanker som kan feste et grep om oss, og han bruker uttrykket "demoner." om disse tankene
De ulike typer tanker er
1. acedia - åndelig latskap eller dødt åndelig liv
2. fråtseri
3. lyst og begjær
4. grådighet
5. sinne
6. tungsinn
7. forfengelighet
8. hovmod
Jamison mener så vidt jeg kan forstå at dette er livsprinsipper som gjelder alle mennesker, men at katolikken vil få spesiell styrke og hjelp ved å regelmessig besøke messen, ta i mot nattverd og gå til skriftemål. Poenget er at en hver negativ handling som vil føre til ulykke for en selv eller andre, starter i hodet. Det er forøvrig interessant at han flere ganger viser til prinsippene for AA, anonyme alkoholikere med deres "regler". Jeg tror ikke Jamison bruker begrepet dødssynder, men for å sitere Store norske:
Pave Gregors liste inneholder følgende sju dødssynder:
hovmod (inanis gloria eller superbia)
grådighet (avaritia)
utukt (luxuria)
misunnelse (invidia)
fråtseri (ventris ingluvies eller gula)
vrede (ira)
latskap (tristitia eller acedia)
De sju dødssyndene kan forstås som tilbøyeligheter til å begå syndige handlinger som fjerne mennesket fra Gud. I middelalderen ble de sju dødssyndene forbundet med djevelen og demoner. Selv om mennesket i kristen teologi anses for å være syndig av natur (jamfør arvesynd og syndefallet), trodde man at demoner kunne angripe sjelen og gjøre mennesket mer tilbøyelig til å begå alvorlige synder
Boka Lykke Klostervisdom for et godt liv av Christopher Jamison har ligget i bokhylla en god stund. Jamison er en ganske berømt abbed, ikke mist fordi BBC lagde en slags klosterrealityserie der fem "vanlige" menn fikk prøve å leve etter Benedikts regler i 40 dager. Ietterkant av dette har Jamison skrevet to bøker og dette er den andre. Den første boka heter Finding sanctuary Monastic steps for Everyday life, og er vel på mange måter i samme gate. Kort kan man si at bøkene handler om hvordan leve et åndelig liv eller om det indre åndelige livet. Boka er utfordrende. Idealet som framstilles er å leve et ganske så disiplinert åndelig liv der man foruten åndelige rutiner ikke skeier ut i matveien eller lar kroppen forfalle.
Bokas tittel kan få en til å tro at dette er en slags selvhjelpsbok for ulykkelige mennesker. Det spesielle er at den henter sine "råd" fra ørkenfedrene og mødrene og ikke minst fra Benedikt fra Nursia som levde på 500-tallet. Hans regler kan man langt vei er aktuelle livsråd for moderne mennesker.
På en måte kan det virke som om boka har en ganske krass og negativ vinkling. Etter å ha skrevet om "de rene av hjertet" skriver han om tanker som kan feste et grep om oss, og han bruker uttrykket "demoner." om disse tankene
De ulike typer tanker er
1. acedia - åndelig latskap eller dødt åndelig liv
2. fråtseri
3. lyst og begjær
4. grådighet
5. sinne
6. tungsinn
7. forfengelighet
8. hovmod
Jamison mener så vidt jeg kan forstå at dette er livsprinsipper som gjelder alle mennesker, men at katolikken vil få spesiell styrke og hjelp ved å regelmessig besøke messen, ta i mot nattverd og gå til skriftemål. Poenget er at en hver negativ handling som vil føre til ulykke for en selv eller andre, starter i hodet. Det er forøvrig interessant at han flere ganger viser til prinsippene for AA, anonyme alkoholikere med deres "regler". Jeg tror ikke Jamison bruker begrepet dødssynder, men for å sitere Store norske:
Pave Gregors liste inneholder følgende sju dødssynder:
hovmod (inanis gloria eller superbia)
grådighet (avaritia)
utukt (luxuria)
misunnelse (invidia)
fråtseri (ventris ingluvies eller gula)
vrede (ira)
latskap (tristitia eller acedia)
De sju dødssyndene kan forstås som tilbøyeligheter til å begå syndige handlinger som fjerne mennesket fra Gud. I middelalderen ble de sju dødssyndene forbundet med djevelen og demoner. Selv om mennesket i kristen teologi anses for å være syndig av natur (jamfør arvesynd og syndefallet), trodde man at demoner kunne angripe sjelen og gjøre mennesket mer tilbøyelig til å begå alvorlige synder
February 15, 2021
This is a follow-up to another of Jamison's books, Finding Sanctuary. In this book, Abbot Jamison investigates the much-vexed question of happiness. As with most discussions of happiness, much of the work is defining what happiness is, so Abbot Jamison follows a long line of theologians and philosophers who have tried to do just that. I won't do a spoiler and say what this definition is (that and, as I write a couple weeks after finishing the books, I can only recall the outlines), but it is an important question in a society which sees the media set our understanding of happiness and the good life.
This book looks at those understandings, but also applies monastic wisdom to the discussion. Jamison is good at exposing the ephemera of our society, but doesn't limit himself to just social/cultural commentary. His discussion of the monastic ideal offers a very real alternative to our culture's sense of material happiness. Included in this discussion are the eight thoughts which form the centre of monastic psychological wisdom and which provide a strong alternative to our rather more heedless sense of happiness.
I do recommend this book for its sane approach to happiness. It is a way to, at least, get us to think about what our happiness is and is intended not just for Christians, but for everyone who seriously wants to consider the way to the happy life.
This book looks at those understandings, but also applies monastic wisdom to the discussion. Jamison is good at exposing the ephemera of our society, but doesn't limit himself to just social/cultural commentary. His discussion of the monastic ideal offers a very real alternative to our culture's sense of material happiness. Included in this discussion are the eight thoughts which form the centre of monastic psychological wisdom and which provide a strong alternative to our rather more heedless sense of happiness.
I do recommend this book for its sane approach to happiness. It is a way to, at least, get us to think about what our happiness is and is intended not just for Christians, but for everyone who seriously wants to consider the way to the happy life.
September 2, 2017
Having read his first book finding sanctuary I was looking forward to picking this up and continuing to learn about Monastic traditions and how they maybe applied to my life and walk with Jesus. It doesn't disappoint, it's full of simple but key ideas and thoughts that in a busy world we can often overlook. It's refreshing to slow down and take your time over this book reading one or two chapters at a time, as to really benefit from its wisdom you need time to reflect, pray, mediate and sometime discuss with others what you've read and if/how you might like to apply it to your life.
It has a good mixture of bible verses, modern day reflections , personal stories and historical/theological input I'd definitely recommend it, and hope that it causes the reader to make time for pauses.
It has a good mixture of bible verses, modern day reflections , personal stories and historical/theological input I'd definitely recommend it, and hope that it causes the reader to make time for pauses.
January 14, 2023
A clear, simple read on a deep and profound topic. Engages with how ‘happiness’ has been understood and what it means for people today. Some good, perceptive exploration of the Eight Thoughts. There was more to say from Scripture on this, though the book rooted its perspective more from monastic engagement and John Cassian in particular.
October 3, 2024
Jamison’s book is well written, with helpful, easy to read insights. It is also challenging and fosters introspection. It was an enjoyable read.
I am also slowly working through each chapter of the book again, journaling my own challenges with each of the 8 thoughts and virtues. Much of this book needs to be interacted with, not just read.
I am also slowly working through each chapter of the book again, journaling my own challenges with each of the 8 thoughts and virtues. Much of this book needs to be interacted with, not just read.
August 23, 2019
A very different book from most happiness literature. Abbot Christopher’s thesis is that happiness is a biproduct of overcoming sin and seeking virtue so he looks at the deadly sins and their corresponding virtues with application to modern life. Plenty of food for thought.
April 21, 2021
A book that could be read by religious and none religious.father jamison who I have liked since the big silence,lays out a foundation not just for an organically way of finding happiness but also of a deeper understanding of life.a comforting read.
October 14, 2017
Inspiring and so thought provoking.
March 19, 2020
Bit of an eye-opener! I recommend.
March 1, 2022
A book I think everyone will find nuggets if gold in. Worth reading just for the chapter on Acedia.
September 9, 2022
I really enjoyed the book. Putting into actions the recommendations and overcoming the passions, one day at a time all by Gods grace.
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March 3, 2019Easy reading for hopeful living.
"... happiness is not an object to be grasped or lost; I have instead described happiness as a lifelong process that culminates in a happy death."
"... happiness is not an object to be grasped or lost; I have instead described happiness as a lifelong process that culminates in a happy death."
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March 28, 2009this was a quick read. i think i enjoyed the introduction more than the bulk of the book. jamison approaches this idea by looking at the eight thoughts / sins so it can feel a little negative as its about avoiding these thoughts. that said the introduction talks about the interior life and was very good. how in prayer/meditation we are confronted by our interior world and that it is thoughts that lead to sin/unhappiness and if we are more aware of our interior life/our thoughts we can avoid letting these thoughts control our lives. it is not ok to say that my thoughts don't matter but only actions/consequences... see the sermon on the mount and being angry and looking lustfully.
happy death (26-27) he suggests looking forward to our death and deciding what a happy death might look like and then letting this inform how we might live now.
happy death (26-27) he suggests looking forward to our death and deciding what a happy death might look like and then letting this inform how we might live now.
August 25, 2010
I have always had an affinity with the monastic lifestyle, being very much an introvert myself, so this book appealed to me on that level initially. Once I got into it, I realised very quickly that he is writing more to a secular, unbelieving audience than to me, a life-long Christian. Nevertheless, despite the times he was speaking about things that have always been a part of my own life, there were moments of insight for me. Largely, I found it a very good wee devotional book-- I read through a chapter a night, and wrote about it in my journal afterwards. The only place I really took issue with him was on the question of the emotions, as I see them as instructive rather than destructive. However, overall, it was a good corrective to the many ways 'happiness' is seen in the culture, which are actually antithetical to what the term can promise.
December 22, 2015
Christopher Jamison is a clear writer and thoughtful teacher. He expresses what he calls the monastic tradition in accessible ways for others. He makes use of the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and John Cassian to explore how 'happiness' might be accessible to modern people. However he is careful to define his terms; for him being happy is a fusion of feeling good and
This small book is worth reading and pondering. Indeed it is a book I look forward to reading for a second time.
This small book is worth reading and pondering. Indeed it is a book I look forward to reading for a second time.
August 6, 2019
Written by an Abbot who has lived in a monastery for a long time, this book tackles the question of how we can find happiness in life. Spoiler: it's not through temporary or material things. Jamison explores different temptations and thoughts in our life that can distract us or only offer temporary gratification, and offers an alternative way to frame our perspectives so that we may know a deeper happiness.
Whether or not you're religious, this book is filled with profound wisdom and helped me rethink the way I live. It's the type of book I'd like to own so that I can revisit these thoughts when I need them.
Whether or not you're religious, this book is filled with profound wisdom and helped me rethink the way I live. It's the type of book I'd like to own so that I can revisit these thoughts when I need them.
December 24, 2010
This book weaves together the thoughts and beliefs of the Desert Fathers from 2000 years ago with modern day science such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. All these ideas are given additional meaning through the perspective of a Benedictine Monk.
'The fundamental insight share by the ancient philosophers and by Christ is that an interior discipline of thoughts is needed. The only way to avoid bad actions and promote happiness is to go deeper than the actions themselves and to train our thoughts.'
Put simply, we need to become more aware of ourselves and our place in the world.
'The fundamental insight share by the ancient philosophers and by Christ is that an interior discipline of thoughts is needed. The only way to avoid bad actions and promote happiness is to go deeper than the actions themselves and to train our thoughts.'
Put simply, we need to become more aware of ourselves and our place in the world.
August 12, 2011
Seems a bit limp to start - not about finding happiness as such, rather how not to be unhappy. Once you realise that the title is a publisher's ploy for those who found much in the 'Finding Sanctuary' title, it is easier to go along with the Abbot's approach that this is not a methodology, nor a formula, but a challenge to seek virtue throughout life. Taking Cassian's 'Eight Thoughts' it also keeps thoroughly grounded in the ancient wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers. In summary - old wine, which is indeed always better.
May 9, 2014
A wonderful book. Extremely thoughtful and compassionate, and for the places where he expressed in words things I already thought but had not articulated, there were many more where his depth of thinking made me stop and consider, and often realise that he had spoken about something I would like to change in myself. A book to return to.
February 24, 2011
While I appreciated the approach and found mush of his initial discussion intriguing, I felt the brevity of the book prevented him from fully developing the Eight Thoughts. It is, however, a good introduction into the thinking of the early Desert Mothers and Fathers.
September 9, 2014
Using Benedict's account of the seven cardinal sins (often and unhelpfully termed the seven deadly sins) this book explores how an ancient religious rule might help a modern audience to find real, meaningful and lasting happiness, whether religious or not.
January 20, 2016
I enjoyed the beginning and middle chapters more than the later ones, where I thought the author rather lost his way.
Worth reading, but slightly disappointing: didn't live up to its early promise.
Worth reading, but slightly disappointing: didn't live up to its early promise.
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November 18, 2015Sane, loving, and genuinely helpful. No one could read this without deriving some benefit, even if it is solely to realize that happiness is not just 'feeling good'.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews