Practicing Contentment in 2023

It’s the new year.  The hustle and bustle is behind us.  For many, the holidays can leave us feeling depleted and frazzled, especially during a time of year when nature is asking us to rest.  I find the best antidote is settling in to the spirit of contentment.  This may seem odd at a time of the year when we’re asked to set new goals.  But from a yogi’s perspective, contentment is a noble goal. It’s the ability to remain centered and peaceful no matter what is happening.
Santosha, the second niyama of the five niyamas of yoga, is generally translated to mean contentment. Contentment can be thought of as a state of acceptance, balance, and being at ease, no matter what life dishes up.   
Cultivating a breath practice that focuses on our exhalation is an excellent way to experience contentment. Lingering in the space after the exhale, we find there is no need to rush, no need to get somewhere or do something. It’s a welcome pause where we can just be, where we can feel the inward pull of contentment.  Now that’s a goal to embrace any time of the year.

Classes are back in session on January 3.

Wishing you and yours abundant blessings in 2023.  
With love,
Janet