Santosha is a Sanskrit word that means contentment, satisfaction, or being at ease. It is one of the Niyamas (observances) in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which describes it as a state of inner peace and joy that arises from accepting the present moment and being grateful for what one has, rather than constantly seeking external pleasures or possessions.
In Yoga, Santosha is considered an important quality to cultivate, as it helps individuals to find happiness within themselves, regardless of their external circumstances. It is believed that by practicing Santosha, one can cultivate a sense of inner calm and develop a more positive outlook on life.
What’s interesting is that most of the time when people think about Santosha they think about contentment. However, when we consider the context of Santosha we realize that if we are worried about the future, or thinking about the past, i.e., not fully present, we cannot be content.
Being in the moment, also known as mindfulness, has roots in many different cultures and practices. It is often associated with Buddhism, particularly the practice of Vipassana meditation, which emphasizes developing awareness and insight through focused attention on the present moment.
However, the concept of mindfulness can also be found in other traditions, such as Yoga, Taoism, and Stoicism. In Yoga, for example, the practice of mindfulness is considered an essential part of achieving a state of inner peace and tranquility. Similarly, in Stoicism, the philosopher Epictetus taught that one should focus on what is within their control and let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past.
Today, mindfulness has become a popular practice in its own right, with many people turning to techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and body awareness to help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being.