Today we move on to the second niyama “Santosha” संतोष

Yoga Sutra 2.42: “Samtosad anuttamah sukha labhah”

“Contentment brings supreme happiness.”

“It is well worth analyzing the circumstances of those occasions on which we have been truly happy. For, as John Masefield says, “The days that make us happy make us wise.” When we review them, we shall amost certainly find that they had one characteristic in common. There were times when, for this or that reason, we had temporarily ceased to feel anxious; when we lived – as we so seldom do – in the depths of the present moment without regretting the past or worrying about the future. This is what Patañajali means by contentment.”

We all strive to be happy and often seek gratification in our external environment. We imagine that we find happiness when we can touch our hands to the floor in Uttanasana (Forward Fold), master Sirsasana (Headstand), purchase a new product, have more money, etc.

The truth is that we can only find pure contentment from within. Santosha asks us to let go of regrets about the past, to cease planning and worrying about the future and to live fully in the present moment. When you tune into the moment and your inner voice (gut feeling/intuition) you are in the flow of life.

Celebrate the small things in life that we often oversee and only cherish when they go wrong.

Do the things that make your heart sing – yoga, dance, laugh, love, smell the roses!

When things don’t go your way, can you still find appreciation for the blessings in your life? Are you willing to consider what the lesson or hidden positive in that situation may be? Can you come back to your breath, mindfulness and the beautiful smile of contentment?

There is a Taoist story I would like to share with you.

Maybe

There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically. 

“Maybe,” the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

“Maybe,” replied the old man. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. “Maybe,” answered the farmer. The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “Maybe,” said the farmer.

If you can accept the present moment just as it is, without wanting to constantly change the situation, you can find ease. It sounds simple but it is not always easy. The main point is to become aware of when we linger in the past, want a present incident to be different, or worry and plan about the future. Just notice, take a long, deep breath and gently return to the present moment. Welcome back! 🙂

I believe that the secret to enhancing contentment is to cultivate appreciation and gratitude.
The more grateful you are, the more blessings will come your way. The more blessings you appreciate, the more content you will be.

What does Santosha mean to you? What are you content about?
I’d love to hear from you! Drop me an email, comment on my website or Facebook page.

I appreciate YOU and am grateful to know you!

Namasté!