Samtosha, or contentment, is the second niyama of the eight limbs of yoga.
The intention behind this niyama (observance) is to feel ok with who we are without needing external things to find happiness.
Samtosha comes from accepting the present moment, ourselves and our life. When we expect happiness and contentment from earning more, owning more, and doing more, our satisfaction becomes reliant on it. We often say to ourselves, “I will be happy if or when…” But, once we attain this, even though we feel happiness for a while, it eventually fades. We then automatically move on to the next thing to make us happy, never reaching long-lasting happiness. The only place to be happy is here and now. Accept and appreciate what we have and where we are in the present moment. It is enough.
It’s ok to still set goals and have ambitions. But know that we are already enough, and so we should work towards these goals from a place of love and acceptance rather than expecting to find happiness. Productivity shouldn’t be a way to validate ourselves; otherwise, we will never be satisfied or content.
How can you incorporate samtosha into your daily life?
Learn to cultivate stillness even when it's uncomfortable. We're used to always wanting to be busy or entertained or having our minds occupied with something. So, it's challenging to become still. One reason it can be difficult is we may notice thoughts and feelings that had been so well hidden by our usual distractions. But the more you practise stillness or meditation, the easier it will become to be with the thoughts and feelings without resisting them.
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Perhaps treat yourself to a supportive breath mantra. First, choose something you're grateful for today. Then say out loud or in your head the following on your inhale:
Breathing in, I am grateful for _________.
Then on your exhale, say:
Breathing out, I return to the present moment.
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Endeavour to celebrate each achievement, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, so that you don't immediately jump to what's next.
What about Samtosha and yoga?
Just turning up to a class or self-practice and giving yourself that time to be present should be congratulated. Showing up is already a step towards boosting your physical and mental well-being.
Although it can be discouraging to not be able to reach a pose that you want to, praise yourself for how far you've already come. There are many variations of poses. Find the one that feels good for you. The asana doesn't need to look fancy for you to achieve the same physical and mental benefits.
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