What it is

Santosha is the second Niyama or observance. Santosha literally means "contentment or satisfaction". There is an essence in this observance of being completely content with or satisfied with or accepting of and comfortable with.

Why it Matters

Santosha is made up of a few ingredients. The first is awareness. Next is truth. Once we cultivate awareness and truth we can move into acceptance and surrender. From there a sense of acknowledgement or gratitude and finally santosha (complete satisfaction).

How we practice it in recovery

When we come to a situation or experience with our genuine curiosity we make room for these important ingredients and the possibility of Santosha. Our awareness brings us into presence. Then we can neutrally discern the data or information. We then find acceptance and surrender from this place. Once we have let go something happens-gratitude. We come into the joys, satisfactions and contentment with the situation. This IS practice recovery. Santosha is one of the most important observances someone in recovery can practice.

Santosha Yoga Practice
View this video to practice to work with the elements of sober recovery.

A word about mindfulness

Today we thread the theme of contentment into our yoga practice. When we are present to our breath, body, thoughts and emotions we paved the way for connection to these parts. Can we move with awareness, find what true about our experience, accept and surrender to them and then move into gratitude and satisfaction with where we are now?

The magic ingredient is awareness. What would it be like to bring your awareness to the mat? This installment of the new year guides you to move your body while noticing what’s happening in the present moment. What would it be like to offer movements that help us to have gratitude for what our body can do?

A word about eyes closed.

Throughout the series you will hear me invite you to practice movement with your eyes closed. This is to facilitate an inner awareness. If closing your eyes does not work for you (for whatever reason) don’t do it! You can gaze down at the floor or continue to look at your screen during movement. The choice is yours!

Setting up your space

Setting up a safe space for movement is important. Please take a few moments before watching/listening to Mindful Movement with Maria to set up your space. Each month we will need different props. Today you’ll need:

A yoga mat or towel
Something to sit on (ex: a yoga block, bolster, blanket, pillow)
You may also want to have handy:

A blanket
A yoga block
A yoga strap

Medical/LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

This video series is for information purposes only. The information presented is in no way intended as medical advice or to serve as a substitute for medical treatment. The information should be used in conjunction with the guidance and care of your physician and/or treatment team. Because eating disorders are a life threatening illness, It is strongly advised to consult your physician before beginning this or any program that incorporates movement, activity or exercise, especially if you have any medical condition, injury or other medical issue that contradicts physical activity. Please consult with your dietitian/nutritionist as to proper caloric adjustments needed due to this or any other type of movement or activity. In the series you may be directed to notice feelings. This is in no way intended to serve as a substitute for psychological counseling. Please consult with your psychotherapist before participating in this video.

By participating in Mindful Movement with Maria videos you are agreeing to accept full responsibility for your actions.