Santosha, or contentment, is the practice of finding peace and gratitude in the present moment. This episode delves into how we can let go of comparison, embrace imperfection, and recognize the abundance we already have. Santosha shows us that happiness isn’t in the next achievement but in appreciating what’s right here, right now. Find me at https://www.eqyoga.co.uk/

Transcript

You’re listening to All Things Yoga with Vicky, and today’s Niyama is one of my favourites—Santosha, or contentment. Ah, doesn’t that sound nice?

But here’s the thing: contentment can feel tricky, especially in a world that constantly tells us we need more. More stuff, more success, more everything. So let’s unpack what Santosha really means and how we can embrace it.

Traditionally, Santosha is about finding peace and satisfaction with what you already have. It’s learning to appreciate the present moment instead of chasing after the next thing.

Sounds lovely, right? But let’s be real—it’s not always easy. How often do we say, ‘I’ll be happy when…’—when I get the promotion, lose the weight, or take that dream vacation? Santosha asks us to hit pause on that mindset and say, ‘What’s good about my life right now?’

In yoga, Santosha might mean being okay with where your body is today. Maybe you can’t nail that tricky pose yet, but you can still appreciate the strength and effort you’re bringing to your practice.

Off the mat, Santosha could look like practicing gratitude. Have you ever tried writing down three things you’re thankful for each day? It’s a simple way to shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant.

And here’s a modern twist—what if Santosha also meant unplugging from social media? It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re falling short. But when we step back, we can reconnect with what really makes us happy.

So, how can you invite Santosha into your life this week? Maybe it’s savouring your morning coffee or taking a moment to appreciate a loved one. Whatever it is, I hope it fills you with peace. See you next time for Tapas