EXAMPLES:
On humility by St. Isaac the Syrian
In all respects belittle yourself before all men, and you will be raised above the princes of this age.
On children by St. Paisios the Athonite
Children shouldn’t feel pressured to be good; they should feel a need to be good. The parents’ holy life informs the children’s soul, and then they naturally follow their example. As such, they grow up with devotion and with health of both flesh and spirit—without emotional traumas. If parents, out of fear of God, encourage their children, God helps and the children are helped. But if they do this out of egoism, then God does not help. Many times children suffer because of their parents’ pride.
On depression by St. Ambrose of Optina
Boredom is the grandson of depression, and laziness is the daughter. To send her away, labor actively—do not be lazy in prayer, then boredom will pass and zeal will come. And if you add to this patience and humility, then you will escape much evil.
On distractions by St. Paisios the Athonite
Even if people are totally insensitive, they still don’t find peace and rest, no matter how hard they try.... that is why they are constantly craving entertainment, listening to loud music, getting drunk, and watching television. They grace all kinds of distraction because their conscience reproaches them.
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