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Happy Day 30 of our 30 Day Yoga Challenge – Santosha
Good Morning Yogis! We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. Last time we practiced the second of the Niyamas – Santosha (Contentment) with ourselves on the mat, by honoring and being gentle with our bodies, and not pushing ourselves to pain… Santosha is the key to avoiding injury during Asanas / Poses. Today we will be focusing on Santosha with our lives, not just our bodies.
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Santosha or contentment by focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature. I have heard if we focus on the past we will be depressed, if we focus on the future we will be anxious, and the key to joy is living in the present moment. A couple of the Yamas and Niyamas reflect this secret of happiness hidden in the “now”. I find one of the easiest ways to do this is to get outside and be active!
Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses. Take a run and feel the wind on your face. Being around water is always especially calming for me, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river. Perhaps hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot. Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park, or read a book on your deck or by the window. Whatever feels like the best way for you to get out of your little bubble, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
Also, calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.
Want more Santosha practices? Check out our Santosha Guide!
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Share your Practice
Please comment and share how you did focusing on the present moment today. Did you get outside? Were you able to find contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!
Today we will be sitting on a plane for 6 hours so we went for a nice walk this morning. I took the time to enjoy the beautiful weather we have in California, and you said stopped and smelled the roses. It was very nice way to start our day.
I went on a walk this morning and enjoyed getting to be out in the sunshine. One of the perks of working downtown! The day gave me a few curve balls but I did my best not to let the small stuff get me down.
The weather’s been hot and disgusting in my neck of the woods lately, but this morning I was finally able to make it out on the back porch to sit for about 15 minutes before it got really hot out. My thoughts did drift a lot especially at first, but I found that the longer I sat the easier it was for me to remain in the moment. I did feel somewhat calmer by the time I came inside.