The Practice of Contentment: Embracing Santosha in Our Lives

In the journey of yoga, Santosha, the second Niyama, holds a pivotal place. Translating to "contentment," Santosha invites us to find peace and happiness in our present circumstances. As Lao Tzu beautifully put it, “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita suggests that dwelling in contentment brings about unsurpassed happiness.

Understanding Santosha

Santosha is about anchoring into the present moment and embracing the joy of being. The Niyamas are practices we observe, and Santosha is a call to practice contentment actively. However, the simplicity of the concept belies the complexity of its application. It’s easy to say, “Be content,” but much harder to live it, especially in a world that constantly encourages us to strive for more.

Many of us fall into the trap of “I’ll be happy when...” – when we lose weight, get a new job, find a partner, or achieve some other goal. While goals and desires are not inherently bad, postponing our happiness until we achieve them robs us of the ability to find joy in the present. Tantra teaches us that desire and goals can propel us forward, but they should not hold our happiness hostage.

The Pitfall of External Anchors

Human nature and survival instincts often drive us to satisfy temporary urges. These urges, however, are fleeting. The practice of contentment encourages us to seek happiness within, rather than anchoring it to external, temporary factors like possessions, achievements, or other people.

Life is ever-changing. Our bodies, circumstances, and external achievements are all temporary. Anchoring our contentment in the transient aspects of life sets us up for inevitable disappointment. Yoga teaches that true contentment comes from connecting deeply with our soul's essence, which is unchanging and eternal.

Embracing the Journey

To practice Santosha, we need to embrace our entire journey – the highs and the lows, the joys and the sorrows. Every experience, no matter how challenging, contributes to our unique story. When we accept and find contentment in who we are and the life we’ve lived, we tap into the gifts that make us unique.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Contentment

1. Gratitude Practice: One of the most effective ways to cultivate contentment is through gratitude. By regularly acknowledging and appreciating what we have, we shift our focus from lack to abundance. Start a gratitude journal and note down things you’re grateful for each day.

2. Mindful Reflection: When feelings of discontent arise, take a moment to reflect. What is triggering these feelings? How can you reframe your thoughts to see the situation through a lens of gratitude?

3. Embrace Impermanence: Recognize the temporary nature of all things. When we understand that nothing lasts forever, we can appreciate each moment for what it is and let go of the need for constant change or improvement.

4. Find Joy in the Journey: Instead of waiting for a future goal to bring happiness, find joy in the present moment. Celebrate small victories and appreciate the process of growth and learning.

5. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Accept your flaws and past mistakes as part of your unique journey. Self-compassion fosters a sense of peace and contentment.

6. Connect with Your True Self: Yoga and meditation can help you connect with the unchanging, eternal part of yourself. By tapping into this inner peace, you can remain content regardless of external circumstances.

Reflective Questions for Journaling:

1. What are you grateful for?
   • List the things, people, and experiences you are thankful for in your life.
2. How can you bring more gratitude into your life?
   • Think of ways to incorporate gratitude practices into your daily routine.
3. Where do you feel discontent in your life right now?
   • Identify areas of discontent and explore how you can shift your perspective to find the good in these areas.
4. Recall times when you felt contentment:
   • Reflect on moments of genuine contentment and consider what made those moments special.

Conclusion

Santosha is a powerful practice that invites us to find happiness and peace within ourselves. It challenges us to let go of external dependencies for our joy and to embrace our unique journey with all its ups and downs. By cultivating gratitude, practicing self-compassion, and connecting with our true selves, we can anchor ourselves in contentment and experience the unsurpassed joy that comes with it.

Remember, the journey to contentment is ongoing. Every moment is an opportunity to practice Santosha, to find peace and joy in the present, and to embrace life exactly as it is.

Join the Fit and Fabulous membership to listen to our mindfulness and meditation class on Santosha and all our other classes on the Yama and Niyama.