Contentment

At some point in my 20s, I thought a fit body, abundant money and better relationships is a good recipe for life. I changed my diet and exercise plans in anticipation of a fitter version of myself. I changed careers and moved multiple countries in a desire for prosperity and excellence. I changed friends, partners and even myself in hope for a better relationship. I was in the pursuit of more.

When some of my goals didn't manifest I felt sore and exerted myself even more. On the other hand, when my desires were met, I started wanting something else. I was always on the go, deep down restless and dissatisfied with my life. I always wanted different than what was.

Why was I not feeling fulfilled after years of working hard towards a better life? Was I dumb or lazy? Was I ever going to arrive at ease? Or will I die feeling lack?

It is natural to think our problems are outside of ourselves. Because that is where our sense organs are directed. We think that if some desired changes occur in our external life, we will be happy. This is our fundamental problem. Contentment is an inner job. It has nothing to do with the outside drama of our lives. Happiness is a natural outcome of a certain inner disposition of the mind.

Lasting joy is never found in any outside achievement. As soon as we achieve something, our mind resets the goal post making us feel 'not enough'.

All the advertising and media attempts to make us believe that only if we have this product or that experience our lives will be complete. Who has not bought into that? The quality of our lives are quite independent of the toys we own and games we play once the basic necessities are met.

So, how do we feel contented and stop feeling 'not good enough'? Firstly, we tell ourselves happiness has nothing to do with the outside reality. Contentment is all about acceptance of the situation in its current state. The way it is right now is the only way it can be. Can this moment you are feeling right now be any other way? We cannot fight with the truth of the current moment. This acceptance naturally leads to contentment.

Should we curtail our ambitions to feel better?

A common misconception is that if we are feeling content it will lead to laziness and stagnation. Actually, the opposite is true. Choices made from a place of contentment have a long term view and are not fear driven. We are not afraid of extra work if we are feeling happy. Have you noticed when you are particularly happy on some day how your willingness to do challenging things increases? These fearless decisions are more likely to take our lives to higher pitch of aliveness and further into our spiritual journeys.