I have heard it many times, and I have probably written about it here once or twice before, that contentment and true happiness is what we all really want. It is what drives our every thought, every action, every intention.
The most important question that then arises is, why are we not happy? What is it that stops us being happy? A good question, especially when we are also told that joy and happiness are in fact what we really are, our true nature.
Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, names contentment, samtosha, and it gives it a place as the second of the 5 niyamas, the second limb of the 8-fold path of yoga. Niyamas are the internal guiding principles and inner attitudes, that primarily establish our relationship with ourselves. It is a state of being that demands acceptance of the present moment and a sense of not wishing this moment to be any different. Often misunderstood as being passive and misinterpreted as suggesting that one should be accepting of situations that are negative and unfavourable without trying to change them. Rather it points to having the ability to feel gratitude for what we have and encouraging the acceptance of the reality one is in- to make changes to what is, it is essential that we take stock and accept where we are. It is good to know your starting point, in order to know what the next step is in the chosen destination.
Over the years I have found that I have better access to experiencing contentment when I am able to slow down enough to allow myself to be fully present in the moment. To live in the present, rather than directing all my attention towards figuring out the better day, the better job, the better relationship. Letting go of this idea that “I will be happy when…” but rather find the reasons to be happy in the here and now. Reminding myself that we do not live in the future but in the here and now.
It can start with the seemingly little things.
For example, when you look around you, are you able to name 3 things that give you reasons to be happy and content in the here and now?
In other words, can we start where we are? Tuning into what feels good and making a commitment to ourselves to practice all that feels good.
These are some suggestions that you might want to reflect on and start to incorporate into your daily life, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Morning Routine
Consider how you your morning routine looks like, feels like and if there is anything that can support a feeling of greater contentment. Can you be more discerning about what you expose yourself to as you start your day? Remember we ingest, and therefore then try and digest, everything that is coming in, food, feelings and experiences alike.
Checking In
Is there space to build a protected time of ‘checking in’ before the outside engagements and stimulations really start to take over? It can be a commitment of 3 minutes or a whole hour but the act of intentionally paying attention to ourselves creates a feedback loop which strengthens our sense of self and our sense of contentment. It can be on a yoga mat, in the middle of having a shower, whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, or walking out in nature. It can involve movement or it can be in stillness.
Being in Nature
Being out in nature itself is a practice that can enhance our sense of gratitude and contentment. You have probably heard of forest bathing by now and the claims of its many benefits on our wellbeing, especially on our mental health. It allows us to feel a connection with nature and by extent a connection to our own selves. As we surrender to the elements of nature we find our sense of belonging as we realise we are part of a bigger whole. But if a forest, a field, a garden, is not something that you have access to in the day to day, just taking a walk outdoors can also help.
Stay tuned in for Contentment Part II and exploring more practices that can help us tune into a space of gratefulness and contentment. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram as we share practices to #boostyourmood and join our 6-week therapeutic course for a more in-depth exploration of yoga practices that can bring us greater joy and contentment.
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