Lately, the world has felt like a pressure cooker of chaos, noise, and uncertainty. And while I can’t control global events or everyone’s behavior (wouldn’t *that* be nice?), I *can* choose how I respond.

That’s where **Santosha** comes in.

Santosha is a Sanskrit word that translates to contentment, but not the kind you get from checking everything off your to-do list. It’s deeper than that—it’s a soul-sigh, a surrender, an inner YES to life exactly as it is.

When I find myself spinning out—overthinking, doomscrolling, or reaching for chocolate chips that were supposed to be for baking—I go back to my spiritual toolbox. Lately, I’ve been doubling down on the practices that help me stay in my heart and in my body.

Here’s what’s helping me come back to center:

• HeartMath techniques to bring coherence between my heart and brain.
• Daily prayer—sometimes whispered, listening to Andrea Bocelli’s The Prayer.
• Sending waves of love and high-frequency energy to friends, loved ones, thought leaders, and global changemakers who are doing the heavy lifting.
• A commitment to claim peace—not when the world calms down, but right here in the mess of it all.

Because here’s the truth: You don’t have to earn peace. You just have to claim it.

And if claiming peace feels impossible right now, try this:

• Sit down. Hand on heart. Three deep breaths.
• Ask your body, What do you need right now to feel safe or soothed?
• Say a prayer—not for answers, but for a moment of grace.
• Reach out. Don’t isolate. Connection is a miracle drug.
• Remember: this too shall pass. Really. It will.

I don’t have it all figured out, and I’m not floating around in a bubble of bliss. But every time I choose peace, even for a breath, it changes everything.

With love and Santosha,

Arielle