In my last blog I invited you to consider the possible problems with dwelling on your dreams based on advice Professor Dumbledore shared with Harry Potter, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” He shared this advice after catching Harry becoming addicted to the Mirror of Erised that focused on the desires a person has.
I did some research on possible antidotes for becoming focused on dreams and rather than on one’s attitudes around being contented. Some principles of stoicism can be enlightening.
“The Stoic idea (and an idea that is present in a number of wisdom traditions) is that happiness and contentment aren’t a product of having everything but of being grateful for the things that you do have.”
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus
“Contentment makes a poor person rich and discontent makes a rich person poor.” – Benjamin Franklin
In the Bible, contentment is defined as a state of satisfaction and peace, often tied to trust in God’s provision. Philippians 4:11 states, “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances, that contentment is a learned quality. It emphasizes being satisfied with what we have and who we are, rather than seeking more. Contentment is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, encouraging believers to find fulfillment in their relationship with God rather than in material possessions.”
We have the power to decide to be contented.
How someone becomes contented
Here are some key strategies to help someone become contented:
- Practice Gratitude: Maintain a gratitude journal where you note three daily things you are thankful for. This practice can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Allocate a few minutes each day to meditate, focusing solely on your breath or the sensations in your body, which can anchor you in the present moment.
- Keep a Positive Mindset: Having a positive mindset can help boost your moods and maintain a contented state.
- Live in the Present: Enjoy and embrace the present moment instead of being stuck on the past or obsessing over the future.
- Be Grateful for What You Have: Take a minute to think about how lucky you are compared to most people out there. Far from complacency, contentment is an active acknkowledgment of the sufficiency of what one possesses materially and spiritually.
Research reveals that contentment plays a pivotal role in how we evaluate our overall happiness. While emotional states contribute to life satisfaction, contentedness with our current circumstances provides a more significant and stable foundation for our sense of well-being. This distinction underscores the essential nature of contentment in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Contentment as a Bulwark Against Life’s Storms
According to an article from the website Psychology Today entitled, “The Quiet Power of Contentment: Navigating the path to inner fulfillment beyond the noise of modern life”:
“Contentment is a resilient bulwark, providing a sense of stability and perspective. Cultivating contentment makes us more likely to view setbacks as transient and not defining our life’s worth. This stability fosters resilience, allowing us to bounce back from adversities with a balanced mindset and reduced stress.”
We all have the power to become more contented with our lives. It does not mean we become complacent or stop trying to achieve our hopes and dreams. It means we combine these with putting energy into claiming our powers to succeed in life.
Invitation for Reflection
- To what degree are you content with your life?
- Which of the recommendations for achieving contentment resonate with you?
- What do you need to do to increase your level of contentment?
- What can you do to balance being contented with striving to meet some of your life goals?
Diane Wagenhals
Director Emeritus, Lakeside Global Institute