I remember, some
6 years ago, while introducing myself to a new group, I shared this: "I am
grateful and content". It was a very moving moment for me. Life was not
looking very good but there was a deeper understanding that all is well and I
am being supported and guided. Looking back to that moment and where I am now,
I should say, life has taken several miraculous turns... but have I been in
gratitude and contentment all through these years? I ask myself. Of course, the
answer is "yes" and "no"!
So what makes this contentment
so nebulous? Such a fragile, moving target?
Patanjali refers
to Santosa - to be deeply anchored in a
space of peace and happiness - as one of the Niyama: personal observances. With
Niyama, the reference point is within you, nothing to do with external
circumstances. But in all aspects of our life, our reference is externalized
and relative, defined based on how we perceive (or are perceived) as better
than or worse than others. How do I respond to situations when I receive less
that what I think I deserve? How do I react when somebody criticises me when I
am expecting them to appreciate?
Patanjali says
when established in Santo., one gains the highest level of unparalleled
happiness:
"Santosat Anuttamah Sukha
Labhah" (YS 2.42)
We all know that
the secret formula for happiness is not about acquiring more and more but our
attitude towards what we have or don't have. How much we are at peace with our
present reality as we perceive it. This "knowing" does not help much
does it?
The way to Contentment
In order to
understand happiness and contentment, we need to understand the nature of
discontent, in whatever area of life it might be manifesting in a given moment.
When we look deeply into the nature of discontent, we realise that it is being
constantly fed by either our past experience (of what we had and don't have
now) or future desire (what we don't have now but want to have it) and
invariably supported by comparison with the external reality- other people.
By understanding
how discontent manifests right now and dealing with it then and there, we can
become empowered to clear this block and achieve peace and contentment quite
simply and effortlessly. The process is rather straightforward, requiring only
your body and breath and a curious, engaging mind.
How is it manifesting? What is
its impact?
When I bring
conscious attention to the feeling of discontent. I want to also know how is it
impacting my life now
I begin to
observe the thoughts, feelings, behaviours, judgements, intentions, my choices
in life, how I treat others...
Isee the feeling
playing out in every aspect of my life.
Isee that I have
actually created a complex web of patterns that are feeding this discontent
constantly.
My body and breath
I now sense it
in my body, my breath is disturbed...
Body and breath
offers the gateway to understanding this block and its pervasive effect on the
system. The stronger the sensation, more powerful is the block.
Willingness to let go
Is the
discomfort strong enough for me to want to get out of it? Am I desperate
enough?
Am I ready to
let go of the attachment to the discontent, to the idea that what is, is not
OK?
Can I drop the
thoughts NOW? Can I step back from the issue?
Stepping back, breathing out.
Can I breathe in
& out... keeping the focus on the exhalation and exhaling through the
strong body sensations?
Am I able to
drop all the thoughts as they arise using my breath to remind me to simply
clear the mind?
Clearing the space within
Am I able to
experience some relief? Some space?
Is my breath
getting deeper?
Is my body
feeling more comfortable?
Anchoring with peace
In this moment,
am I able to experience peace? Can I locate myself there, using my breath to
anchor myself?
How does it feel
right now? With this little experience of peace?
The peace of
letting go of all the past and future and ideas of happiness?
What am I left
with?
Santosa!
Unlimited happiness.
"Love is what is left when you let go of all the
things you love"
- (anonymous)
May you
experience the highest happiness right now!
Best wishes,
Saras
