Finding Contentment

I found this article from holisticterapyoc.com.

I've never tried yoga or that kind of meditation, but it seems good and easy to try to find contentment in this cold, cold world.

"You can't always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Working with our own thoughts and feelings can radically change our capacity for happiness and contentment. Contentment is a choice. It doesn't happen to us, it's something that has to be created and practiced within us.

Most of us know how to create discontentment. We regularly sabotage our happiness by worrying about the future; complaining about our jobs; comparing our looks, weight, and achievements with others; or telling ourselves negative stories about our lives and relationships. The key to creating happiness and contentment is to retrain our minds to view life from a different perspective.

When you find yourself getting caught in the negative spiral toward discontent and panic - just stop. Change the message you are telling yourself from a negative to a positive: focus on your breath, focus your mind on everything in your life that you have to be grateful for, give thanks, become your own inner coach - remind yourself that "you can do this" or "even if you do mess up, you're still a good person."

Try this yogic affirmation: Breathe in and think to yourself, "What I have is enough." Breathe out and think, "What I am is enough." Breathe in and think, "What I do is enough." Breathe out and think, "What I've achieved is enough." Repeat this cycle for several minutes, paying special attention to the feelings that arise. Become aware of both the feelings of peace and the feelings of resistance that might come up.

Contentment requires a willingness to accept yourself and your situation.