The Power of Doing Something Just Because

"I’ve accepted that the whole of my life will be a pilgrimage toward the sound of the genuine in me."
—Cole Arthur Riley

I don’t believe in getting engrossed in any one belief system, but I do use spiritual tools to support me in navigating life. Yoga, for example, offers guiding principles that help me engage with the world in a way that aligns with my values. One of those principles is Santosha, or contentment—the practice of accepting what is. But contentment doesn’t mean ignoring injustice or systemic oppression. It’s not about bypassing the reality of oppression or unfair practices. For me it’s about releasing the grip of perfectionism, which is deeply tied to capitalism and the pressure to always do more.

Rejecting the “Always More” Mindset

We live in a society that constantly pushes us to produce, achieve, and improve. But my mind and body do not align with that message. I’ve had to unlearn the idea that my worth is measured by productivity or success. Practicing Santosha has helped me challenge the belief that I need to be striving at all times. Contentment, in this context, means embracing both success and failure without attaching my value to either. It means allowing myself to engage in activities simply for the enjoyment of experiencing them. 

Practicing Contentment Through Creativity

One way I intentionally cultivate contentment is by engaging in activities where the goal is simply to be—to explore without expectation, to create without striving for perfection. Recently, I visited a paint-your-own pottery studio. The experience reminded me of my inner child—the version of me who used to create freely, without worrying about whether the final product was “good enough.” There was no pressure to make something perfect. Instead, I focused on the process of creating, rather than the outcome. Trying something new forces me to let go of expectations and the desire to get things “right.” It’s a reminder to be present in the moment, to engage with curiosity rather than control.

Practicing Santosha has helped me accept myself more deeply, which in turn influences how I show up for others. In a society that thrives on perfectionism and productivity, the simple act of being can be a form of resistance—especially for marginalized communities who are often expected to work twice as hard for the same recognition. The idea that our worth is inherent, not earned through achievement, challenges societal norms rooted in harmful systems. Learning to embrace rest, play, and creativity is a way to dismantle these pressures from within.

Making These Practices More Accessible

Because I believe everyone should have access to experiences that foster creativity and contentment, here are a few ideas to explore:

Check your local library – Many libraries offer free or low-cost community art and creative classes.
Try a new style of dance just for fun on Youtube, without the pressure of performance.

More information on Santosha

I intentionally seek out activities where I know I’ll make mistakes—and that’s okay. If you’re looking for a way to practice contentment, consider trying something new without tying it to a specific goal. Let curiosity be enough.

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Larissa is the founder of Evergroundz. She began Evergroundz for individuals to cultivate their inner wisdom through yoga, meditation, and wellness practices, while navigating life experiences with compassion.