The Art of Contentment

I am noticing the increasing restlessness in our world.

The constant inundation of advertisements and must haves stir social comparison. A few days ago, I received an email with the headline: “Black Friday starts now!”

The holiday season rush, the busyness, striving, the demands of life, the safety of our world, all contribute to inner and outer restlessness.

And this is just the beginning. We have the restlessness of heart and soul, with unmet needs and dreams waiting to be fulfilled. Real feelings and real challenges.

How do I stop this downward spiral?

I interject contentment. Sometimes, I need a large dose to immediately stop the downward spiral and sometimes I need a slow drip to help sustain my vision and fulfill my purpose and walk in peace.

I have created a practice of contentment. I name every blessing I can think of in my life, beginning with my very breath. My capacity to walk, run, do yoga, my mind, my beautiful children and all the provision in their lives. My home, my job. I notice nature, the sun, moon and the beauty of animals. I replace social comparison thoughts with mindfulness.

I can do this in about one minute.

I also rest in contentment. I choose to rest in this phase of life, no matter how it presents itself. After all, this moment is all I have.

The practice of contentment and the rest of contentment walk hand in hand and then, the joy of contentment joins the circle.

A beautiful thing!

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.

Philippians 4:12