Yoga Philosophy – Santosha

Santosha yoga

“santosha anuttamah sukha labhah” – Being contented, supreme joy is achieved.

From 200h YTT Tirisula manual

Santosha is the second of the Niyamas from Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga sutra.

The word Santosha translates to contentment, being not happy or sad. Enjoying every moment of being in consciousness.

When you are at the yoga studio have you ever looked around you? Have you compared yourself with others?

I did a lot and, honestly, I sometimes still do. (I am working on it)

When I started Yoga I couldn’t do many poses, I wasn’t flexible. Every class was a struggle. It felt as if my practice wasn’t helping me. But it did. It improved my posture, my legs were much lighter after prenatal yoga, and I also had a very smooth natural delivery for both my kids!

One day, I pushed myself too hard in my yoga class and over stretched my hip by widen my stands. The next day I couldn’t do Virabhadrasana II (warrior 2) properly anymore. I had set myself backwards by injuring my hamstring muscle, which lasted few months. If I hadn’t pushed myself too much, I could have practiced more and seen greater improvements during that time.

The reason I practice yoga is not to do difficult poses. It’s for me to have regular exercise and meditate my mind so I can find my peace in each day.

Everyone’s body is different. Some people are naturally flexible, some have more muscle.

Practice regularly but make sure to listen to your body, accept your mood and your body condition. Just follow the class at your own speed. Love yourself and who you are. One day you will realise that you have improved.