Santosha

Santosha, or contentment with what is. What a term that is in our current state, huh? Can we offer up a peaceful acceptance to what is, when it is out of our control? If there is anything that social distancing has taught us it is how to have gratitude for what we do have and to let go of that which we have no control over.

My Spring Break Plan A, was diverted to Plan B, and before I knew it I was coming up with Plan C. And Plan C was never on my radar. The break I wanted and needed was no longer an option, but some karmic plan for rest was definitely in store. And while I am guilty of letting my negative thoughts, the depressingly gray, cold weather, and my restlessness get the best of me I have taken some time to discover santosha. I acknowledged the feelings of fear and the anxiety that my constantly dinging phone and the tv and internet were doing nothing to pacify me so I turned it all off and took a mini-stay-cation. I took Facebook off my phone, I turned off the tv and I created more time to pause in my day and reflect. I breathed, chanted, meditated, and turned inward to see what movements I needed for my body from being cooped up. I read, bathed mindfully, made delicious home cooked meals, played cards and had conversations with family without distraction. I chose to accept what is and brought my full attention to this moment.

Jennie Lee says, “Fear closes us off. Love makes us receptive to what is.” Can we be mindfully content with the journey through this storm? If we can’t control it, can we control our reaction to it? I considered how I could still continue to help people in a time of need. And for me that is writing and creating yoga.

I imagine there isn’t one of us who hasn’t been greatly affected by the Corona Virus. Have you been able to find peace and rest despite the chaos, the fear, the uncertainty? Have you found contentment in the situation at hand or cultivated an attitude of acceptance? Or has negative thoughts, anxiety, depression, restlessness, and fear gotten the best of you at times? Have you been able to use this time for growth and development of yourself? What insights have you gained from this situation?