Practicing Contentment

“Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself.” ~ Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi (1946)

Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting to a wonderful group of yogis on Santosha, the yogic principle of contentment. In the presentation, I shared ways to cultivate contentment in the mind, body, and emotions, and how to identify and move through the resistance that arises.

Presenting reignited my own commitment to practice contentment in all things. The path to santosha begins with understanding the roots of discontent. When we take time to see where our dissatisfaction comes from, it begins to loosen its hold on us. Contentment is not a passive state but an active awareness, remembering that peace does not depend on what changes outside of us. 

The more we achieve or experience, the more we tend to reach for what’s next. The practice of santosha invites us to pause in that space between wanting and being, remembering that how we hold ourselves through it all determines our peace. 

Contentment is much more than putting on a smile and pushing through discomfort. It is more than repeating mantras of gratitude while ignoring what hurts. The practice of contentment asks us to lean into discomfort instead of jumping over it. Not to prove our strength, but to understand. Practicing santosha helps us turn inward for approval rather than seeking it outside of ourselves. It helps us act from our values, stop comparing our path to others, and show up authentically. From that place, compassion and acceptance for others naturally deepen. 

When we take time to understand our experiences, even the difficult ones, they begin to hold deeper meaning. What once felt harsh can become a lesson that clears the path toward clarity, growth, and healing. Below are three ways to cultivate santosha, or contentment in the mind, body, and emotions, to support deeper connection and lasting insight. 

Santosha and the Mind 

Practicing santosha in the mind begins with noticing what arises without becoming tangled in it. We create space between thoughts and reactions, allowing room to choose how we respond. The breath becomes our anchor as we return to a single point of focus such as breath, mantra, or counting. We choose language that causes less harm, reframe thoughts toward truth and compassion, and take quiet moments throughout the day to return to stillness. 

Resistance in the Mind 

Resistance often shows up through rumination, comparison, and self-criticism. The mind can replay stories, measure progress against others, or question our worth. When this happens, the practice is to return to breath and truth. Name the thought once, let it pass, and redirect your attention to something grounding such as a mantra, counting, or the rhythm of your breathing. These small actions train the mind to rest in the stillness of the moment rather than in the busyness. 

A Healing Practice: Notice → Name → Reframe 

This simple practice helps train the mind to observe rather than absorb every thought. By naming what arises and reshaping it into truth, we lessen its weight and reclaim focus.

• Notice one recurring negative thought.

• Name it once.

• Reframe it into a statement that is both kinder and true. 

Santosha and the Body 

Practicing santosha in the body begins with respect and awareness. We learn to listen to what the body needs and respond with loving care. This includes challenging ourselves in healthy ways while honoring limits. We begin to see that body image is not self-worth. We practice moderation in food, rest, and effort, choosing nourishment that supports vitality and stopping before fullness. These mindful actions strengthen appreciation for the body’s natural wisdom. 

Resistance in the Body 

Resistance can appear as tension, fatigue, or overexertion. At times we avoid movement, and other times we push past what the body is asking for. On the mat, this may look like forcing a shape or ignoring signals of discomfort. Off the mat, it may show up as skipping rest, dismissing hunger, or disconnecting from physical needs. When this happens, the practice is to listen again. Slow down, breathe, and meet the body where it is. 

A Healing Practice: Gratitude Scan (3–4 minutes) 

This practice invites appreciation and gentleness toward the body, helping rebuild trust and awareness.

• Move your attention slowly through your body.

• Silently say “thank you” to each area.

• Release self-judgment, simply notice. 

Santosha and the Emotions 

Practicing santosha with the emotions means allowing what arises to move through without resistance. We name what comes up, breathe into it, and let it pass when it is ready. We practice self-compassion, set healthy boundaries, and use breathing or grounding techniques to remain connected. When the emotional wave softens, we return to practice with a clearer heart.

Resistance in the Emotions 

Resistance may take the form of avoidance, overwhelm, judgment, or shame. Avoidance can look like turning away from what we feel. Overwhelm may cause us to tighten up or shut down. Judgment labels emotions as right or wrong, and shame convinces us that feeling deeply is weakness. These are invitations to simplify, shorten emotional holds, focus on breath, or ground through the senses. Meeting emotion with understanding allows energy to move and release naturally. 

A Healing Practice: Breath Awareness (2–3 minutes) 

This practice helps bring calm and clarity when emotions feel heavy or unclear. 

• Close your eyes and notice your natural breathing.

• Inhale slowly through the nose and exhale gently through the mouth.

• With each breath, allow a little more ease to return.

The practice of santosha reminds us that peace is built from within. Each breath, choice, and moment of awareness shapes how we meet ourselves and the world around us. The actions of cultivating contentment become less about seeking it and more about living it, moment by moment

With love and gratitude,
Dana Andrea

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