santosha

Santosha is the second Niyama (observance) of yoga philosophy.

Written at 2.42 in Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras is derived from sam (completely) and tosha (satisfaction), it means complete contentment.

This week my dharma talk focused on “It Is What It Is”, or the practice of Santosha! When practicing it is the concept of cultivating acceptance and acknowledgement for this moment, no matter the situation. When we practice this moment of contentment, we are able to foster peace within that leads to happiness over finding all of the imperfections that the moment could hold.

This sutra is not about resignation, but instead finding the inner state of quiet knowing - - that what was supposed to happen, did.

We can find moments of stress and anxiety trying to figure out or prove the WHY?! | or | we can slow down and shift our focus to what is now an opportunity. The more we accept ourselves and the moment we are in, I hope you will feel unparalleled joy radiate from your being.

How can you practice Santosha today:

• Practice Gratitude: Make a list or three things you are thankful for each day (is that to much? try one a week! see how that feels to start)

• Live in the Present: Focus on the "now" rather than worrying about the future or longing for the past. My important meeting was cancelled last minute - - instead I GET TO _____________________

• Limit Comparison: “I choose to use my resources differently” or “That’s currently not my priority” These statements shift the energy from a state of lack to a state of choice.

• Mindful Consumption: Do I really need this RIGHT NOW? Remember when we used to make a shopping list and then would go to the store once? What about waiting 24 hours before ordering or running. What about mindfully pausing and doing one trip. It may shift your time into a new opportunities of contentment.

• Acceptance: Practice accepting life as it is rather than how you want it to be. “It is what it is.”