Hi there

Happy Sunday. I went for a Japanese meal with my good friend Carron the other evening. She talked about “Santosha”. A Sanskrit term, meaning “complete contentment”, “satisfaction”. “acceptance”.

Carron does yoga, and in Yoga philosophy, it represents an internal state of peace that is independent of external circumstances or material possessions. I guess it’s what I’ve always referred to as “an inside job”.

Apparently, when we speak of acceptance in connection with Santosha, we don’t mean settling for less, or giving up. Not at all! It is more about accepting the current situation, whilst still striving for growth.

I like that. With all the chaos and turmoil currently in the world, it would be too easy to throw our hands up in the air and surrender. “There’s nothing we can do”, we say. “It’s far too big for us”.

Well, here‘s the news: it is what it is. And whilst we may not be able to help everyone, we can certainly help someone.

So how about we learn to let go of the need for things to be different than they are in this moment. Let’s cultivate some gratitude, and shift our focus from what is lacking to what is actually present.

I know, I know. That’s easy to say, not so easy to do. But if I am going to do something, take action, isn’t it better coming from a calm, measured state, and not a desperate place?

Santosha. Yesterday, I experienced Santosha beautifully. We did the LIVE online Paper Collage Workshop, for the Glastonbury Tor. Jazz and I worked together, and Sue joined in downstairs, in her office. During the course of the day, working quietly and patiently on the artwork, together with a large group of friends online, we slowly and systematically worked through the collage process I have come up with, until we arrived at its conclusion: superb pieces of artwork. But even more importantly, total joy and a sense of accomplishment, teamwork and love.

We all left the building laughing, hugging and beaming with happiness. It was pure Santosha.

Makes me want to take up Yoga actually. See life in through a different lens../

If you missed the Online course, the whole day was recorded. You can always subscribe, we will send you the pack, and you can do it. Who knows. Maybe you’ll gain a little Santosha too. CLICK HERE to find.

If you were one of the participants yesterday, tell us YOUR experience please. I can only speak for myself, and I was the bus driver of course, but I came away from the workshop feeling a deep sense of joy and gratitude. And those days are rare just now.

Love and Clarity,

Barb x x x