The Journey to Santosha
Welcome to the next post in our monthly series, which delves into the ancient wisdom of yoga and its profound philosophies. Laura Walton, the founder of lovelew, attests to yoga's incredible healing powers, especially in navigating the turbulent waters of grief. With its deep roots and comprehensive practices, yoga offers a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with their bodies and find grounding when other connections seem lost.
Each month, we will explore a different facet of yoga, deepening our understanding of how these practices can support and transform your journey through grief.
This series is not about mastering physical flexibility (although that’s a welcome benefit); it’s about fostering a connection between mind, body, and heart. Through time and practice, yoga can help you find a way to move through your grief.
Yoga isn't just the latest Instagram trend. It's a way of life. An ancient practice, philosophy, and purpose. It’s helpful to consider all eight limbs of yoga and remember the original intention of yoga. To truly grasp its essence, we must dive into The Eight Limbs of Yoga, starring the yamas and niyamas. Each limb is a step and guidepost leading us onto the path of self-actualization. The yamas and niyamas are the first two practices of yoga. When we focus on these, they light the way for the rest.
Navigating the turbulent waters of grief is a profoundly challenging journey, one that can leave your internal and external environments feeling disordered and chaotic.
The Journey to Santosha
In the quest for peace amidst the chaos of grief, the concept of Santosha, or contentment, offers a gentle path forward. Santosha doesn't urge us to be complacent or to ignore our pain but invites us to find joy in the life we have now, even in its most imperfect and challenging moments.
Contentment is often pictured as a serene acceptance of the present, but for those who grieve, it's a hard-fought battle against the overwhelming waves of sadness brought by the death of a loved one. This journey begins with our small steps, finding little pockets of joy in everyday moments—a comforting morning coffee, laughter shared with family or the quiet beauty of nature.
Training the Mind to See Beauty
Like strengthening a muscle, recognizing these moments can transform our perspective, allowing joy to coexist with sorrow. It starts by acknowledging the simple beauties around us, which can slowly shift our focus from what we've lost to what remains. This shift isn't about diminishing the pain, but about finding presence and enriching our lives with moments of beauty and peace.
Presence and Mindfulness in Grief
Santosha teaches us to be profoundly present in our experiences. Watching children play can remind us of this—how they are fully immersed in the moment, finding joy in the simplest activities. Santosha encourages this state of flow, where time seems to stand still. It's about letting go of the anxiety about the future and the weight of the past, focusing instead on the now.
Embracing Both Light and Darkness
Contentment in grief does not mean the absence of pain, but the presence of balance. The practice allows us to make space for joy alongside sorrow. It's not about pushing away the grief but about letting in light to sit beside it. This approach acknowledges that while the pain may never fully disappear, it can share space with moments of happiness and peace.
Practical Applications of Santosha
Here are practical ways to cultivate Santosha in your daily life, especially during the grieving process:
Yoga and Physical Practices: Engage in yoga poses that open the heart, like Bridge Pose or Revolved Extended Side Angle. These poses help us open up physically and emotionally, accepting the moment and our feelings.
Nature and Solitude: Spend time outside and with yourself. Nature's vastness can offer a new perspective, and solitude can teach us to enjoy our own company and find contentment within ourselves.
Gratitude Practices: Start or end your day by listing things you're grateful for. This practice can gradually change your perspective, highlighting the positives in your life amidst grief.
Mindful Observance: Take time each day to notice and appreciate your surroundings. This might mean seeing the sunset, savoring a meal, or enjoying the warmth of a cozy blanket.
Romanticize Your Life: Make ordinary moments memorable. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee, wear clothes that make you feel good, or turn an ordinary night into a special occasion. These actions aren't about escaping reality but about enriching the reality you live in.
Santosha and Healing
Santosha doesn't require us to always be happy or joyous, but to find peace with what is. It's about accepting that while life can be incredibly tough, especially when grieving, there are still moments of beauty and reasons for gratitude. It's about making the most of now, not because it's perfect, but because it's all we truly have.
Conclusion
Navigating grief with Santosha is a journey of balancing the sadness of what we've lost with the appreciation of what remains. It's about finding contentment in the present, knowing that our lives are still full of potential for beauty and joy, even in the midst of pain.
If you're struggling to find your path moving through your grief this holiday season, consider our free guide, No Cheer Here: Getting Through Grief This Holiday Season. This resource is designed to help you manage your grief with grace and resilience, offering practical advice and emotional support to make your journey easier.