Santosha Niyama: Contentment

Santosha Niyama - The Skill of Contentment

In the Tantrika hyoga lineage I study, we follow 10 Yamas and 10 Niyamas. These are yogic principles of conduct that help us rise to our highest character, stay aligned with our values, and break the repetitive cycles that hold us back. When we live out of sync with our higher values or consistently avoid taking the high road, we can get stuck in what feels like an endless rat.

This month, we’re exploring Santosha Niyama—our capacity to feel content and happy, to slow down, step out of the race, and appreciate both the bigger picture and the small, beautiful moments. What often stands in the way is that inner voice urging us to chase more— more success, more variety, more of everything. Even the idea of 'becoming our best self' can subtly imply that who we are right now isn’t enough. When we postpone happiness until we’ve reached some ideal version of ourselves, that happiness remains just out of reach, always in the future.

This cycle of insatiable thinking can be a major source of unfulfillment, anxiety, and even depression, ultimately affecting our health, relationships, and the environment. To get more ideas on supporting yourself, please listen 🎧 to my Podcast Episode on 'Brain Care for Mental Health'.

Both, Yogic and Buddhist teachings remind us that the path to contentment lies in embracing life fully, with all its difficulties, without judgment or striving for external circumstances to be a certain way. There is a way to walk through life with calm and gratitude, while still taking meaningful steps toward the well-being of all.

The monthly contemplations are:

Can I acknowledge my needs without waiting for them to be fulfilled before allowing myself to enjoy life as is?
Am I embracing and loving myself as I am — imperfect, unique, and human — with all my past and all current challenges that come along?
Am I allowing myself to sit with discomfort, sadness, loneliness, and frustration, without judging or distracting myself from these feelings?
Am I continuously aware of the totality and miracles of life, including the painful parts?
When I am safe, can I be at peace, present, and still without needing to be anywhere else?
Can we remain content and grounded, without constantly chasing something outside of ourselves?
Am I connecting with this person before me for the sacredness of connection itself, or as a means to a future outcome?

Take time this month to reflect on this beautiful practice—see how you can weave it into daily life and expand your sense of gratitude, both for the big and small blessings. I look forward to seeing you in classes!

Sending so much love. Let's stay curious to look for better self-care that serves our well-being, connections, and success in every area of this fascinating human experience ❤️❤️❤️

Natasha & Glowing Team

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