Santosha - Contentment

Santosha is translated to mean "contentment." But what does "contentment" really mean? A quick Google search will tell you contentment is "the state of being..."

• content

• happy

• satisfied

• calm

• peaceful

• at ease

Contentment brings us right into the present moment. When we find presence, we are able to see our higher self clearly. I know what you're thinking - "What is the higher self?"

Your higher self is that aspect of your being that is unchanging, unwavering and connected to the universe/divinity. Your higher self is patience, wisdom and loving awareness - not separate from it. When we find presence and rest with the higher self, we recognize ourselves as pure presence, joy, wisdom, light and love.

Existing alongside contentment is non-attachment. So, we are neither attached to the happenings of our external and internal world, nor are we completely detached from it. We exist in the middle where contentment and non-attachment walk hand in hand in complete presence.

Starting a gratitude practice is a wonderful way to inspire santosha, contentment. This could look like:

• Starting a gratitude journal

• Saying what you are grateful for out loud

• Thank someone new today - even if it is for something seemingly unimportant

• Before you go to sleep, think of three things you were grateful for that day

• Meditate with gratitude in your heart

• Give thanks to the Earth, the sun, the rain and all the people who worked so hard to grow the food you are eating

What ways will you practice gratitude today?

Love & Well Wishes,

Kiara Flowers

she/her

REFERENCES:

Living the Sutras by Kelly DiNardo and Amy Pearce-Hayden

Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Edwin Bryant

The Yogi Assignment by Kino MacGregor

The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi