Contentment

According to the yoga sutras, when contentment and gratitude are present, unexcelled happiness pervades our being.  This feeling of contentment is not the same as what we feel when we have everything we ever wanted in life in terms of possessions, a partner, and an ideal job.  Those things can all change.  True contentment comes from the understanding that who we really are at our core is that light of awareness that all being share. 

Gratefulness is a feeling of great joy with who we are and what we have. Ponder all that you have to be grateful for such as health, friends, community, and life. Think of the millions of people around the world who have so much less in comparison, yet are happy nevertheless.  {Nicolai Bachman}

We have learned a lot from our Sassy Seniors.  Even though they are dealing with severe memory issues, they still radiate contentment.  They are grateful for each meal served and savor the mealtime experience.  They appreciate the simple act of holding hands.   They are ever so grateful to receive a smile or a hug.  Those that can still walk do so with exuberance.  One man who no longer communicates plays beautiful music on the piano.  Another sings along with every song on our Yoga for Memory Care playlist.

Our Story; I am content. This month we found contentment as we sang along with Que sera, sera. 

"Que sera, sera

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours to see

Que sera, sera

What will be, will be"

Virginia and Ena find contentment.

We can all learn a few tips from these elders whose minds no longer serve them in the traditional sense but instead seem to have overcome the part of the mind most of us battle with; the ego mind of judgment, and discontentment. 

In South India there is a heartfelt way of expressing one's appreciation. Instead of saying "thank you," they say "Santosha (I am content.)"

MM