The Art of Gratitude: The Santosha Project

Last June, I was in a very confused state of mind. I was not really sure which direction to go but I feel that I have to change in order for me to grow. As some options started appearing, I felt that I have to make a decision. On this emotional and mental state, I was still thankful of all the blessings I have. That one thing was very clear on my mind. And last June 27, I saw a post of a friend on her timeline about Santosha making. I had no idea what it is but as I read through the poster, I knew I have to attend this workshop.

I have known Ime (https://yinyangnotebook.wordpress.com) since 2000. She was a classmate in my MA English Studies poetry class. We have kept in touch and I have always been interested in the things she is an expert of - creative writing and now this. I texted her and she asked me only two things. The workshop is actually free but you have to come into it in the right frame of mind and good intentions. This is not a money-making venture because there is a spiritual investment in santosha making. There is an art and a passion behind it.

So I was fortunate to be part of the select group who attended the workshop. I cannot share what transpired during the workshop, not that I wouldn't want to but because you have to be there to appreciate it and learn. In summary, you can read Ime's post on what is santosha: https://yinyangnotebook.wordpress.com/2016/09/01/what-is-santosha/

After the workshop, I learned that santosha is a way of sending out to the world the gratitude for all you are thankful for. It is a bracelet or necklace used as gratitude beads. Below are the first four bracelets I made during the workshop.

Santosha making is not just stringing of beads. It's not like the bracelets that can be bought commercially. Each bead, each color was chosen intuitively for the person the beads are strung for. If there's one thing I learned from this project aside from the power of gratitude, it is patience. Stringing a necklace composed of 108 beads plus spacers would really test your patience.

So each santosha I'll be making is a work not only of art, but of patience and with each patient making, is my love and gratitude.

Materials:

Some finished Santosha's:

So in case you got one from me, or requested one, I just would like to put it out there that this is not for sale, it is a labor of love and last, you should follow the guidelines I would be giving in using the Santosha to have it a powerful effect in your life.

Hirayamanawari,

Rob