Santosha (contentment) is the cultivation of calmness and equanimity of mind via postures (asanas) and smooth, rhythmic breath controls (pranayama) and other yogic disciplines.

Peace of mind comes when body and mind are kept pure. 

The root of Santosha means “to be pleased.” The question is how are we to be pleased when life does not always go the way we expect.  The simple answer of yogic wisdom is to accept what “IS” and make the best out of everything, moving from an inner space of gratitude and love (presence), regardless of outward circumstances. 

Santosha is the practice of choosing love over fear.

Practice: gratitude and joyfulness; remain in calm state of equanimity in success or failure. This state of mind does not depend on any external status.  Instead of pursuing happiness in a world of constant change, the yogi cultivates an inner space of happiness rooted in the truth and timeless of love.

Santohsa is not rooted in external.

The inclusion of contentment as an active practice of consciousness rather than an unconscious reaction to the events, conditions and circumstances of our lives, Patanjali (Father of yoga, author of Yoga Sutras) points out that peace of mind can never rely on external circumstances, which are always changing in ways beyond our control.

Santohsa requires our willingness to enjoy exactly what each day brings and 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.

Santohsa in the midst of the storm.

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

Relationships are a reflective doorway of truth and love.

When we enter a relationship from a place of need or lack, we are not practicing Ahimsa (non-harming).  It is ultimately fruitless to utilize another to try to quench the unquenchable thirst of the soul.  Instead the yogi meets all relationships from a place of fullness of love, offering joy and love with no expectation to all they pass and meet on the sacred journey of life.  In this way, contentment is a gift to self and other.  There is no need or lack.

 The first and most important relationship that is cultivated by the yogi is the relationship with SELF, God.