Contentment is the source of lasting happiness. Achievement gives temporary happiness.   

Contentment is a beautiful quality of being happy with everything at the moment.  It simply means whatever is happening to us and around us at this moment is fine the way it is.  Being satisfied and feeling content increases our positivity, gives power to our situations and creates enthusiasm to work harder to improve our future. Contentment is a reflection of our inner happiness and inner peace.  It is the positivity we have created from within and the blessings we receive from others that keeps us contented, happy and successful. Happiness is energy, not matter. he external does not need to be perfect for you to experience contentment.  Being content does not imply we withdraw, be lethargic, stop achieving or settle with what we have.  Rather we co-operate with everyone instead of competing.  

Discontentment is caused by a constant multiplication of desires. Desires cause peace to disappear.  Contentment is independent of who we are, nor is it what we have. Contentment is not dependent on what  have achieved. You think that acquiring things will make you feel secure, but the reality is the more you have the more fear of losing it, and the further you are from peace. Be satisfied with what you have.  Desires are the cause of all conflicts. When you want something and cannot get it you become frustrated. By learning to be free from desires we experience peace and contentment to be our constant companions.

Contentment is like the mother of all qualities. Where there is contentment, all other qualities are present, such as patience, tolerance, humility, respect and free from ego.  Contentment needs to be cultivated, irrespective of external situations and people. Let your feeling inside be the same for everyone. Respect means accepting each individual is unique and has something important and valuable to contribute.  If I have a vision of dislike for anyone, it’s my mistake.  Give no sorrow and take no sorrow. See only the specialties in others, then others won’t see your faults either.  

Before beginning the day, remind yourself by affirming: “I am a contented being and God is content with me. I am content with every scene of my life, with myself, family, my work, what is happening around me and to people I am with.”  Continue to check and change all your thoughts to be positive and uplifting and contentment will always be with you. 

Sister Chirya is a student and teacher with         
the Brahma Kumari's World Spiritual University         
for over 40 years. She is published globally.