I’m introducing a new word to you, Santosha.
From sanskrit origin of two words — “sam” meaning completely or entirely and “tosha” meaning satisfaction, acceptance or contentment.
Our busyness can consume us in many ways. It creates the separation between us and the Divine abundance, provision and our true essence.
I am not dismissing our essential physical needs. Obviously, we need food, shelter, and clothing. But if we make our lives all about these possessions (a luxurious car, the grand house, a fat bank account) we end up suffering because we often use busyness to fill the void of connection, wholeness, worthiness and freedom.
This was true in my case. I used to work three jobs in my early years as a freelancer. Yes, I had responsibilities — my daughter needed support, my sisters needed to go to school and I was the breadwinner of my family.
At the same time, busyness has become a convenient excuse to fill the void I felt within.
I was using busyness to avoid feeling lonely and feeling less because I did not have someone to share the responsibilities of parenting with me.
I used busyness as an excuse to skip working out and not take care of my health.
I used busyness as a badge of success and usefulness. When they see I’m busy, they must think I’m successful.
It was toxic!
Gladly, I found my path to healing and wholeness through yoga. Yoga saved me.
In traditional yoga philosophy santosha is the antidote to modern busyness. When you learn to accept yourself completely, in the fullness of YOU, you will find lasting peace and joy.
This teaches us that everything we need is already within us, therefore you are enough and you are free from insecurity and neediness of external satisfaction.
The universe lies within you, therefore you are infinite. You are santosha.