Santosha: Contentment

Santosha (contentment) is cultivation of calmness and equanimity of mind. Immobile postures (asanas) and smooth, rhythmic breath controls (pranayama) are helpful in achieving Santosha.  All the yogic disciplines foster contentment.  Peace occurs naturally when body and mind are pure. A good practice of Santosha for Yogins is to maintain an attitude cheerful and uncomplaining, even in the midst of turmoil. 

Tush, the root from which Santosha comes, means “to be pleased.”

Theoretically it is clear that through the cultivation of Santosha the yogi is content (pleased), but the process of cultivation may not be so overtly obvious.  According to yogic philosophy we cultivate Santosha through acception of what “IS”.  Neither pushing nor pushing against reality, but rather allowing it to be exactly as it IS and constantly choosing to move from love (presence) regardless of the circumstances.

Santosha is contentment, acceptance, and an attitude of gratitude. It is remaining focused in the face of adversity. It is the practice of choosing Love (consciousness) rather than fear (unconsciousness).

Practice:   Remain calm without regard to success or failure.  Neither cling or push away life’s experiences.  Embrace all experiences with a gratitude and joyfulness that does not depend on any externals. 

A nice adage for Santohsa is  “accept that which we cannot change, change what we can, and have the wisdom to know the difference.”

Santoshsa is not rooted in externals

By including contentment as an active practice rather than a reaction to events around us, Patanjali points out that peace of mind can never finally rely on external circumstances, which are always changing in ways beyond our control.

Santohsa requires our willingness to enjoy exactly what each day brings, to be happy with whatever we have, whether that is a lot or a little. This second Niyama uncovers the hollowness of achievement and acquisition; while material wealth and success are not evil, they can never, of themselves, provide real contentment.

Santoshsa in the midst of the storm

We can easily practice santohsa on the sunny days, in beautiful moments and joyous experiences of our lives. Patanjali asks us to be equally willing to embrace the practice of Santoshsa on stormy days, in difficult moments and the not so content moments of our lives.