Santosha

Our topic today is Santosha which translates to Contentment.

This is Patañjali’s second principle under the the Second Limb or Niyamas.

Please refer to the First Limb or Yamas (from my previous blogs) to help you practice both the 1st and 2nd Limbs together. Doing this will help you to understand how to intertwine the next Limbs (Limbs Three through Eight).

Each of us can and will practice the principle of Santosha in different ways.

For example how is your current state of being? Are you happy and content in your physical, emotional, mental and or spiritual life?

If you’re not sure if you are content with your present circumstances a good yogic tool is to check in with your breath.

My yoga teachers taught me, ‘the Breath is your True guide.’

Try this exercise: Close your eyes and tune in to your breath. Feel your Inhalation slow, long and calm. Then feel your exhalation slow, long, and calm.

Notice if your slow deep breathing seems difficult and if so try to put your focus on a single point of concentration (Dharana - 6th Limb).

Focus on a Drishti point such as a object which doesn’t waiver or use a chant which will bring you calmly inward.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drishti_(yoga)

This week I remembered to ask my Spirit to help me with Santosha (contentment) during my at home physical yoga practice.

Here’s how I did it: of course I would love to do Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand) without using a wall and be in the posture for several slow breaths. But apparently I’m not physically ready to be up in handstand for several slow breaths. Not yet, it’s a practice.

At the beginning of my physical yoga practice I remembered to warm up significantly (one hour for me) before trying to do a handstand. Warming up is important to prevent injuries. Without pushing the physical handstand practice I received a surprise gift.

When I tried the handstand I barely used the wall at all. I actually felt my breath moving into my core and this helped me to be in a handstand (free of the wall) for about one breath.

Another thing I do each day is I pray deeply. I ask Spirit, “Help me find my divine purpose today.” I truly believe when you are living your true purpose then you will shine and won’t desire anything that you don’t already have.

I like to say that I am perfectly imperfect and I am happy just the way I am. I am content.

Here’s to practicing.

Be a Flower,

Share your Beauty

Namaste.

Alicia

@lishvalentyn