संतोष Saṃtoṣa

Saṃtoṣa is a Sanskrit word that comes from the prefix "Saṃ" which means completely, entirely; then there is "toṣa" that comes from the root "tus" which means  contentment,  satisfaction, and acceptance. This word is usually translated as contentment, a kind of contentment that envelops your being completely.  

I met with a friend from Seattle a while ago and he asked me when did I feel or have felt happy. The first things that came to mind in that moment were riding my bike along the Hudson River and teaching. I feel such a sense of contentment when I am doing those things. Since then I have been remembering the many moments when I have felt contentment in my life. There is the time that I fell in love, the first time I arrived to New York City, swinging high in the swings when I was a kid, the time when I started living by myself in my apartment, the first time my parents came to visit me in the USA, the time that I received my yoga teacher certification.

Then there are the times when contentment just bubbled up from within for no reason at all. I specially remember a period when it was very difficult to meditate. I felt physically and emotionally very uncomfortable every time I sat for meditation. Then after months of this one day I sat and felt like I pierced through this veil of pain and was able to feel  contentment on the other side. It was so delicate, a dreamlike experience of being completely at peace and content with myself and life. The past, the present, and the future were just fine. 

I Invite you to recall the times in your life when you have felt contentment. I know there are many moments even though some times it may seem difficult to find them. Give yourself permission to recall and relive contentment in your live.

Look forward to seeing you in class.

Blessings

Jorge Nihāl