Based on the “Yoga Sutras of Patañjali“. Patañjali was basically the original “mind coach” of yoga. His Yoga Sutras are short little wisdom lines that help us understand our thoughts, handle stress better, and feel more grounded — on and off the mat.
May- "Joy is a Practice"
This month think about: Joy & Contentment (Santoṣa)
We don’t want to focus on happiness as it is often a temporary feeling or a result of external achievements, whereas contentment is a state of being.
Happiness is a beautiful giddy feeling but where there is ‘yin’ there is also ‘yang’ and so unhappiness or dissatisfaction will follow at some point, which leads to seeking more happiness.
Contentment is the “quiet” version of happiness. It is a deep sense of satisfaction. Contentment allows you to feel that your current circumstances, with all their imperfections, are “enough”.
If we constantly chase intense, positive emotions, it can exhaust our mental energy, reducing our ability to feel content with daily life.
How do we implement this?…
- Lets work on accepting that all emotions—anger, sadness, and joy—are part of life. Allowing them to flow through us but not letting them be guests in our bodily houses for so long that they move in! Gently guide each emotion to the back door allowing it to pass through you rather than becoming a permanent part of you.
- Remember to do this with all the positive emotions too. If we hold onto joy too tightly, we fear its loss, which turns into anxiety. By letting it flow, you appreciate the moment without demanding it stay forever, which allows you to be fully present with what is.
- Actively appreciate what you already have, rather than focusing on what you lack. So instead of wishing you didn’t have the aches and pains in your body as you grow older or the forgetful memory! Remind yourself of all the great things your body and mind can do for you. Count all the blessings in your life and let gratitude expand.
- If you find you are unsatisfied most of the time try and remind yourself it’s not the conditions that make us unhappy, but our choice of thoughts, of attitude, of behavior.
- Distinguish between wants and needs to reduce the stress of constant striving, shifting focus from material accumulation to personal growth.
- Send Joy outwards with simple, intentional acts of kindness that can create a ripple effect and boost moods and strengthen connections between us as human beings.
“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” — Lao Tzu
Enjoy a Quote:
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” — Henri J.M. Nouwen
Practice:
Take one small action—like holding a warm cup of coffee or listening to music—and give it your total attention, savouring the simple goodness of the experience.
Memorize a mini poem:
Not everything has to be fixed.
Some things are meant to be felt.
I breathe… and that is enough.
Repeat an Affirmation:
I let joy be simple.