In the next few months my song Contentment from The Voice CD will be heard in 13,000 fitness clubs in 70 countries. It will be used for the cool down, deep breathing time at the end, following an intense one-hour workout with instructor and DVD.
This inspired me to write down a few steps to help turn us from discontentment toward contentment:
- Think about things you don’t have OR focus on giving thanks for things you do have
- Dream about goals that haven’t happened OR take one positive step to make progress
- Worry about outcomes you can’t control OR surrender outcomes and serve others well
- Be frustrated by what hasn’t gone your way OR remember when things turned out okay
- Let fear and uncertainty cause inertia OR let faith and adventure move you forward
- Measure where you have less than others OR count life’s blessings that are priceless
Contentment liner notes from The Voice CD: It is so easy for me to be discontent with my circumstances or to worry about the future, even though I know there is so much to be thankful for. I wrote this to slow down my mind from thinking anxious thoughts, and to focus on the things in life that are pure and lovely. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (1 Timothy 6:6, 6:7-8, Philippians 4:11)
How can you learn to be more content today? What areas can you turn from discontentment toward contentment?
Anne Jennings says
Absolutely brilliant music at the end of our Body Balance class. It is so lovely and relaxing and sends me into a state of deep relaxation. Really beautiful music. I had to ask the instructor what it was. Thank you Stanton! I’ll be buying your albums now.
Anne in Bournemouth.
Stanton Lanier says
Dear Anne, thank you so much for your comments about my music. This is a great blessing to hear, and it is a joy and privilege for me to share. All God’s best to you, Stanton
Anne Jennings says
How lovely to have a reply from you about my comment! Your music is beautiful and I look forward each time to hearing ‘Contentment’ at the end of our Body Balance class. I’ve also been reading the words on your blog about turning discontentment into contentment. Wise words indeed. I love the last line the best! Thank you again. You sound like a wonderful person Stanton. We need more like you.
Anne Jennings. Bournemouth UK
Nuria Castells says
I can just repeat Anna’s work, identical experience for me at the end of a similar course, and same question, and same intention! Thanks for creating and playing such a beautiful and peaceful music!
Nuria
Stanton Lanier says
Dear Nurla, thank you very much for your comments about my music. I am so glad you are enjoying and hope it continues to bring you peace, rest, hope and healing in this hurried world. Blessings to you, Stanton
Linda says
I did the BodyFlow class that this music is included in. It is so beautiful and calming that I too went to the instructor to find out who it was by. Thank you for sharing. I will be buying some of your music. It is exactly what I need in my life. Mississauga Ontario
Stanton Lanier says
Hi Linda, thank you very much for taking time to share this story about “Contentment.” I am so glad you discovered my music and that is was a blessing to you. Wishing you all the best in 2013, and looking forward to keeping in touch! Grace and Peace, Stanton
Lily says
Love this song at the end of my Body Balance lesson every week 🙂 It feels me with peace, quietness and a kind of joy/lightness. I’m actually thinking about using it for the Church entrance music for my wedding that I just started planning! I don’t know why but every time I hear it, I can see myself walking up the aisle to the man I love… I think it would be a nice way to set the mood for the ceremony.
Glad to have discovered your music!
Lily, from France
Stanton Lanier says
Dear Lily, thank you very much for sharing your comments. I am honored and grateful that you are enjoying my music, and also considering “Contentment” for your wedding. Blessings to you and your future husband! Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
Geraldine Waldron says
Dear Stanton, I’ve discovered body balance & with it I’ve discovered & have been soothed by your soulful music! It is such healing music-you are a very gifted composer & what our world needs! May you always be enlightened so that you may enlighten!Thank you!
Geraldine Adelaide S.Aust.
Stanton Lanier says
Dear Geraldine, thank you so much for taking time to share these comments about my music. I am grateful it has made your Body Balance workout experience more soothing during the “cool down” time. I hope to come to Australia some day to perform some live concerts with grand piano, visuals, stories and audience interaction. Blessings to you! Stanton