The C Word

Contentment. What is it? How does one achieve it?

A friend and I were discussing this the other day. These are some of my favorite topics as they really delve into the philosophical (and frankly spiritual) aspects of life.

Contentment has been saught by human beings since the dawn of society. All religions are predicated on it, as are our patterns of consumption. Advertisements try to sell it to us (remember the priceless campaign? ).  Politicians promise to deliver it. Artists attempt to manifest it. The lack of it is seen as the root of conflict (contentious). After all these thousands of years spent obsessing over it, I think it's safe to say that we have a very clear idea of what it is.

So what is it? We haven't a clue. A Google search for the definition leads to hundreds of competing definitions. Some are religious in nature, others are psychological.  Urban Dictionary has a definition that really resonates with me. "A state of satisfaction with who we are, who we have, and what we have."  "One who has contentment is at peace with the world."

As a minimalist, this definition I feel best represents my experience. Although a note about the second part. I'm very uncomfortable with the idea of having people. I do not have people. There are people whose life journeys intersect mine, and occasionally we journey together. Eventually though, our paths diverge, in ways small and large, and they must go off to pursue their true selves. Sometimes they intersect again (we are all connected). That's ok.

How do we achieve contentment? I cannot tell you that. I'm not a guru, or an enlightened being. I don't know the answers. I can share what has worked for me, and maybe it will inform your quest.

Personally, removing physical clutter from my life has allowed me to have the internal space to unpack. I have been able to let go of personal experiences that don't increase my joy. I've also been able to let go of relationships that don't contribute to my emotional wellbeing (this is not being selfish, if they are not contributing to your wellbeing chances are you aren't contributing to theirs either, at least at this point in time).  Additionally I now have the space to be open to new experiences and relationships that do enhance my emotional and spiritual wellbeing. That internal process is what has enabled me to reach the point I am at. News flash though friends, I have not yet achieved contentment although I feel more content and at peace now than in the past. As with most things in life, I've discovered that in this case the journey matters far more than the destination.

What are your reflections on contentment? Please comment below.