Santosha - Contentment

As the summer heat draws near, we may find ourselves enjoying nature or the garden, walking outside, swimming, playing sports or picnicking. If we use the energy and heat from the sun to attend to things we need to get done, we can also find ourselves with the energy to complete projects, manifest new ideas and carry out our goals and tasks. If we overdo, however, we may end up feeling pushed, working too hard, too long and doing more and more until we “burn out”.

The sun’s heat gives us energy and fire to get moving, but if we don’t balance this fire energy with relaxation and cooling, we can end up exhausted and overwhelmed. While it is a wonderful feeling to have energy when we are in a cycle of “doing,” we may mistakenly think the supply of energy is endless. Respecting the limits of that fire energy helps us keep it under control and reminds us to balance it with cooling and relaxing activities and foods. (See Pitta Tea recipe.)

The practice of Contentment (Santosha) is a practice of surrendering to what is; being okay with not doing more or being better or faster. This practice tempers the fire element and allows us to surrender. When we have cleaned five closets and our energy is fading, practicing Santosha (contentment) helps us accept a period of resting. When we have used the energy we have, we need to recharge by letting go, by taking the time to let our whole body settle into the moment and a deep sense of “Being”…rather than “Doing.” When we manage our energy (fire element), we have enough to attend to our projects and to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Santosha Practice

Practice Santosha by lying in the corpse pose and letting your attention rest on the wave-like motions of breath. Send several long slow breaths over the body from top to toe. Let the breath wash away tension and toxins. After letting go, allow yourself to settle deeply into the moment. Feel content to be with yourself and this breath without wishing or wanting anything different. Notice what comes up and keep returning to the breath and a deep sense of surrender to the moment. Rest here for several minutes.

You can use this practice throughout the day. It can also be done sitting at your desk for several minutes if lying down isn’t practical.