INTENTION: I am content even amid challenges and change.
Imagine a clear lake. On the surface, weather and winds cause waves that disturb the lake’s surface. In the depth of the lake, there lies still water - it remains calm and stable despite the commotion on the surface.
The calm of the depths of the lake is contentment. When we develop a keen sense of contentment, the challenges and changes of life, like the waves on the surface, are far less troubling for us.
Have you ever felt like something is missing in your life? No matter how much money or success you have or how many loving, committed relationships you enjoy, it is just not enough. Perhaps you cannot let go of a hindrance because somehow it serves you to hold onto it. Maybe you cannot move forward from a medical diagnosis, grief, sorrow, pain, fear, or loss. Your life feels as though it lacks meaning, excitement, and challenge.
Santosha, the second Niyama of the eightfold path of yoga, translates as contentment, acceptance, or satisfaction. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us not to look outside of ourselves for happiness, but to realize that peace and happiness lie within. When we rely on things that are external to us to bring us freedom, we inevitably bind ourselves to discontentment even more. Our ego experiences joy, pain, loss, desire, greed, and happiness, and we become bound to these experiences by either attempting to push them away (aversion) or by clinging to them (attachment).
Contentment is a feeling of acceptance and satisfaction that comes from within. It is an inner attitude that does not rely on external events. It can lead us to experience more joy and meaning in our lives without having to rely on external sources for validation or distraction. We let go of striving for what we do not have and accept with joy what we do have. Santosha is a peace inside that does not change regardless of what is happening externally. I often think of it as the eye of the storm or calm when surrounded by chaos.
Contentment is more than fleeting moments of appreciation—it is a way of being. Contentment is a place where our minds and hearts rest and offers an ease of being, a sense that all is well.
When we learn to appreciate what we already have instead of constantly chasing what we don’t, or we let go of the albatross around our neck, we have more time and energy for creating meaningful relationships or pursuing our most heartfelt passions.
Contentment is often misunderstood as complacency, passivity, or even laziness. But nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, contentment is an active attitude and takes courage in a world that always seeks to distract us or make us reach for more or better. Contentment encourages our inner growth while allowing us to stay grounded and connected with what matters most. This can help us develop genuine self-love based on true understanding and appreciation which are essential for lasting inner peace.
Developing a sense of contentment involves an acceptance of our own life and an appreciation for what we have now. It is finding joy and satisfaction within us, rather than relying on external measures to define our happiness.
Contentment is not about pretending everything is perfect or ignoring problems when they arise. Instead, it involves recognizing difficulty without letting it consume us, practicing gratitude for all we have been given, and avoiding comparing ourselves to others. By learning how to be content with ourselves and our lives, we can experience true freedom from worry and stress - even amidst uncertainty or turmoil.
Benefits of Santosha
Spending time enjoying what we already have, rather than what is missing, helps us appreciate the present moment and feel more fulfilled.
Creating a gratitude list is a great way to show appreciation for things in life that are meaningful or valuable to us that we may otherwise take for granted. By writing down a few things that we are grateful for each day, we shift our attention away from what is not working and put effort into the positive aspects of life. Doing this regularly encourages us to build an attitude of contentment and find peace within ourselves.
Cultivating an attitude of contentment allows us to better enjoy relationships with others, take pleasure in activities such as hobbies or sports, and connect deeply with nature and its beauty. This sense of satisfaction opens opportunities for personal growth and development which leads to greater fulfillment in life.
How to be Content in Your Life
Cultivate an attitude of acceptance. Taking a breath, we can find the courage to accept what life brings us - both good and bad - and learn that it is okay if things do not always go our way.
Find peace within ourselves even when faced with difficult circumstances. We can choose to let go of things that we cannot control.
Spend time connecting with the simple joys of life such as spending time in nature or enjoying a hobby. These activities can help us feel content by reminding us of all the beauty in life despite its hardships.
Engage in self-reflection to understand how to be content with life. Often our selfish thoughts and behaviors (Buddha refers to them as self-cherishing)- the belief that our needs, safety, and values are more important than those of others - are what cause us discontent. When we analyze these thoughts and understand their self-centered nature, we develop a sense of being aware of and thinking of others, which leads us to practice compassion and gives us perspective on what truly matters, bringing us closer to finding contentment in everyday life.
Practice Yoga. Yoga is a holistic approach to connecting the mind and body through various means, including breathing techniques, meditation, wisdom, lifestyle practices (Ayurveda), and physical postures. All of these serve as doorways to your inner Self and invite you to learn how to live your highest good through exploration, understanding, and grace.
Contentment brings an immense sense of freedom - an ability to enjoy each moment without worrying about what comes next or feeling overwhelmed by unmet expectations. The journey towards true contentment is unique for every person and when we reach it, it can bring a profound level of happiness and satisfaction into our lives.
Acknowledge what you have in the present moment. Understand that it is enough. You are enough.
“From contentment, comes happiness without equal.” The Yoga Sutra
Love & light,
Jeanne and John