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Notice how the word has a relaxed and easygoing sound to it? Practicing contentment, or santosha, would be in finding happiness with what you have... with your lot in life. Of course, you can work to improve it! The purpose of contentment is to help you see that you are exactly where you are meant to be right now. Know that there is something to learn from everything, everyone, and every experience that crosses your path. Remember the bliss concept -- Are you happy? Are you heading toward happiness? Contentment brings us into the very moment -- bringing a sense of happiness into our life right now. Not later, when this happens or that happens... it is happening... NOW.
How does contentment show up in your life? Is it taking a walk in nature. Is it resting in the sun? Is it petting your cat or dog? Is it eating a good meal, but not getting that full and bloated feeling? Is it holding hands with someone you love? Is it sitting here and reading a message that resonates within you?
Contentment isn't an easy place to find. Especially in this modern world. People are always pushing the latest and greatest new thing, trying to make us discontent with what we have. So where are you with this idea of contentment. One of the best ways to find contentment is remembering each day the blessings we have in our lives make this a regular practice and a you will find a new sense of contentment.
This is a funny story from “Darshan magazine volume #40.” On the opposite of contentment. This sometimes makes it more apparent when we see what we don’t want.
THE WISDOM OF PROFESSOR ANGST
How to Maximize your Discontent
Step One: Look for Faults
Blame others for your problems.
When you find a fault--howwever small--point it out.
Judge new acquaintances as soon as possible and vigorously repress any feelings of
appreciation for others.
Step Two: View Yourself as Unworthy
Repeat: “A am insecure.“ “I am inferior.“ “I cant do it.” Decide ahead of time that things
won’t work out.
Step Three: Ignore Your Inner Self
Watch TV a lot and read the gossip columns.
Eat as much as possible.
Be constantly concerned about what others think of you.
Keep an outward focus.
Step Four: Avoid the Present
Dwell obsessively on times in the past when you were unhappy.
Worry about the future.
With effort, you can completely avoid the here and now.
Step Five: Cultivate Attachments and Aversions
Close your eyes, picture everything you own, and repeat silently, “Its mine!”
Never share with others.
Ponder your likes and dislikes ceaselessly.
Step Six: Want What You Don’t Have
Try to satisfy all your desires--this is a tricky one--it may take lifetimes but keep at it!
Worry constantly that there’s not enough--not enough food, not enough attention, not
enough love.
Step Seven: Identify with Your Limitations
The Professor recommends repeating: “My mind is me. My body is me. The body will
go and then where will I be?”
Identify with your job, with your looks, and with your successes and failures. Be fully
absorbed in the drama of your personality. Never step back and watch what is
happening.
Follow these age-old habits, and Professor Angst guarantees that you will not only maximize your own discontent, you will also contribute to the misery of those who have the misfortune of being around you!
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