Santosa or contentment with what is

Santosa (the 2nd Niyama): Modesty ~ Contentment with what we have ~ Acceptance that there is a purpose for everything

Santosa is having a sense of modesty and the feeling of being content with what we have. To be at peace within comes from fostering contentment with one's life, even while experiencing its challenges. When we accept that life is a process for growth, all of the circumstances and experiences we create for ourselves become valid teachers and vehicles for expressing our highest nature. Accepting that there is a purpose for everything - yoga calls it karma – we can cultivate contentment and compassion, for ourselves and for others. Santosa means being happy with what we have rather than being unhappy about what we don't have.

Acceptance and contentment with "what is". Knowing that there is a purpose to every experience/challenge we are confronted with in life. If you approach life in this matter, you are sure to be content with everything that life throws at you, no matter how painful or challenging it is. I know, talking about it is a lot easier than doing it, but "change starts with acceptance of "what is". If you come from that space, then you can't help it but be content!