Santosha in Yoga: How to Practice Contentment On and Off the Mat This September

As September arrives, we find ourselves in a season of transition. The days begin to shorten, the air turns a little crisper, and life nudges us back into routine after the easy rhythms of summer. It’s the perfect time to explore the niyama Santosha—contentment.

In yoga, Santosha is about meeting the present moment with acceptance. It doesn’t mean giving up on growth or dreams, but rather softening the urge to constantly strive, compare, or fix. Santosha reminds us that even as we work toward what’s next, there is joy to be found in what is here, right now.

This month at Bee Well Yoga, we’re weaving Santosha into our practice—on the mat, in daily rituals, and in the way we carry ourselves through the world.

🌿 On the Mat: Yoga Practices for Santosha

When we step onto our mats, we have an opportunity to embody contentment. Here are a few ways to explore it in your practice this month:

• Gratitude Flow: Begin in Mountain Pose, hands at heart center. Pause for a breath and name one thing you are grateful for. Notice how this small shift changes the energy of your practice.

• Gentle Holds: In forward folds or Child’s Pose, allow yourself to release the idea of “perfect” alignment. Notice how ease and spaciousness arrive when you stop pushing.

• Mantra Meditation: Close practice with the mantra, “I am enough. This moment is enough.” Let it echo through your breath and body as you move into stillness.

☀️ Off the Mat: Everyday Contentment Practices

Yoga doesn’t stop when class ends. Santosha is a way of living, and small daily practices can help you cultivate it:

• Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three small joys—a good meal, laughter with a friend, the glow of sunset. Contentment grows when we notice the simple gifts.

• Digital Boundaries: Social media can invite comparison. Try a short “scroll fast” and see how stepping back affects your sense of enoughness.

• Mindful Pauses: Before meals, pause to take one deep breath. Acknowledge the nourishment in front of you and give thanks for it.

💛 This Month’s Invitation

Santosha calls us to come as we are—without needing to be different, better, or more. Each class this September will include gentle reminders to pause, appreciate, and soften into the present moment.

We invite you to step into the studio, breathe deeply, and let this practice of contentment ripple into your everyday life.

As the Irish blessing reminds us:

“May your troubles be less, your blessings be more,

and nothing but happiness come through your door.”

See you on the mat, inside the Beehive! 🐝

Explore a variety of yoga events at Bee Well this September, including specialized sessions like "Barre at Night" and "Mini Yoga Retreat". Join us for unique workshops and community classes throughout the month.