Then there were countless websites that talked about the psychology of happiness.  All I wanted was a simple definition so I finally had to pull out good old Webster's.  And it said: Happiness can be defined as a state of well being; prosperity.

Hmmm, so now I have to be healthy and prosperous in order to be happy.  What if I am not either one of those? Then what?  Can I be content with that?

What is contentment?

According to the Yoga Sutras, contentment or Santosha, is the ability to be satisfied with what is.  To be aware that this moment is at is it was meant to be.  Contentment shouldn't be confused with happiness, for we can be in difficult or painful circumstances and still find contentment if we are able to see things as they are without expectations or judgment.

Contentment also should not be confused with complacency - stagnating our personal growth.  Contentment is a sign that we are at peace with the circumstances that are present right now. 

 

Contentment can generate hopefulness for what is yet to come. When you display equanimity within any situation, this strengthens your faith that there is the possibility of living even more fully. This possibility is not held as something to look forward to, nor does it have the negative effect of creating a sense of lack. Rather, the ability to sustain one's spirits even in dire situations, is proof that a sense of balance is not contingent upon circumstances. And, sustaining hopefulness, even when there are few signs that things will improve, is one very good way of fostering contentment.

So maybe it's not so much happiness we pursue but contentment.  Being still in each moment and loving the blessing that is available to us right then and there.  Even if you are working in a job you don't necessarily like, look at what it provides you. Even when you disagree with your spouse or partner, be awake to the growth opportunity in that disagreement.  Even if you wish you could travel more but can't because you are needed at home, find the beauty in your home. 

We are always exactly where we are meant to be so find contentment in each moment.  Contentment can look like happiness that is for sure!