Contentment

Description

Contentment is an awareness of sufficiency, a sense that we have enough and we are enough. It is appreciating the simple gifts of life – friendship, books, a good laugh, a moment of beauty, a cool drink on a hot day. Being contented, we are free from the pull of greed and longing. We trust that life provides what we need when we need it. Contenment allows us to experience satisfaction with what is. We ar fully present in this moment. Being contented does not obstruct our dreams or thwart our purpose. It is a place to stand and view the future with a peaceful heart and gratitude for all that is and all that is to come.

 The Practice of Contentment

• I allow myself to be satisfied and grateful.
• I trust that I am enough.
• I enjoy where I am and what I have.
• I resist the craving for more.
• I am fully alive to the present moment.
• I relax in the trust that life is good.

Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

In Family Life

Contentment within a family manifests as a harmonious blend of appreciation and acceptance, where each member finds joy in the simple pleasures of togetherness. It’s seen when family members prioritize gratitude for what they have rather than longing for what they lack.

Contentment is demonstrated through open communication and a supportive atmosphere where everyone’s needs and aspirations are acknowledged and respected. It means celebrating successes and challenges as opportunities for growth and learning and fostering an environment of love and understanding.

In a contented family, the focus is not on material possessions or external achievements but on the bonds that tie them together, creating a space where happiness flows naturally, nurturing each member’s well-being, and creating lasting memories.

Balancing Contentment

To maintain a healthy balance of contentment in our lives, several virtues come into play:

• • • Moderation: Moderation is the virtue that keeps contentment from becoming complacency. It encourages us to enjoy contentment without forsaking our ambitions. It reminds us that it’s possible to be content with our present while striving for a brighter future.
    • Gratitude: Gratitude complements contentment by deepening our appreciation for the simple joys of life. It reminds us to acknowledge and give thanks for the abundance that surrounds us, reinforcing our sense of contentment.
    • Ambition: Ambition counteracts underdeveloped contentment by instilling a healthy desire for growth and self-improvement. It encourages us to pursue our dreams and aspirations while maintaining an underlying contentment with our current state.
    • Patience: Patience is the virtue that allows us to trust in the timing of life. It reminds us that contentment doesn’t mean we should rush or force things to happen; rather, it encourages us to wait for the right moments to unfold naturally.

By balancing contentment, we create a harmonious and purposeful existence where we can savor life’s simple gifts while reaching for the stars.