Part 5: Aparigraha
Aparigraha or non-possessiveness
Join me as I embark on 40 weeks of trying to live the yamas and niyamas off the mat. 4 weeks for each of the 10 ethical principles.
Today we explore the 5th yama called Aparigraha or non-possessiveness. In what way are you clinging - to thoughts, habits, emotions? Where are you being greedy? There is definitely more to this yama than simply detaching from physical possessions.
But first, what are the yamas? Also known as ethical "restraints", there are 5 in total, and form the first of the 8 limbs of yoga. Yes, there is much more to yoga than just the physical poses!
Here's what I discovered (& I encourage you to do some of your own self-exploration):
Non-attachment, non-clinging, non-greed, non-grasping, whatever name you want to use, does not mean that you can’t enjoy life!
Aparigaha is about letting go of the clinging to the thing, rather than the enjoyment of the thing itself.
Loving and living, without becoming attached is not an easy thing. Aparigraha reminds us that it is in the nature of things to change. Our need to hold on, possess, is what creates the sense of discontent and pain. By letting go we can free ourselves.
It is our expectations that keep us captive and unhappy. We are in fact, totally free, but we choose our attachments and to hold on, which keeps us captive. What we try to possess, possesses us.
Practicing letting go: my favourite way to start is by observing the nature of breathing - I have no problem exhaling because I trust that the next inhale will come. In the same way, letting go of clutter in space, clutter in my mind, my emotional body, and eventually deep layers becomes easier.
By not practicing aparigraha, we essentially prevent ourselves from expanding and growing into the next thing that life wants to bring us.
Going on a big decluttering mission of your living space, your work space (including your diary and digital world), is SO SO freeing and refreshing!
What I will do more of: Pack lightly for the journey of life.
Takeaway: What we try to possess, possesses us.
You can practice aparigraha with me on the mat in a free Youtube class, during which I share with you journal prompts and ways that you can practice this yogic restraint of non-clinging in your own daily life.
I am SO excited to share with you this 10 part series where we explore the yamas and niyamas in more detail during restorative, yin style classes. See you over in class on Youtube (@Tati von Yoga).
P.S. Here are some suggested JOURNAL PROMPTS from Deborah Adele's book The Yamas and Niyamas:
* Pay attention to your breath. Inhale and exhale...there is no need to hold on. This is aneasy and practical way of practicing non-clinging, or non-possessiveness.
* Look at the physical things you have surrounded yourself with - do they make you feel free and light, or do they have a hold on you and make you feel heavy? Remember, what you cling to, clings to you. Notice the difference between enjoyment and attachment when it comes to your physical possessions. Perhaps time for a little declutter to practice some non-possessiveness?
* Notice where you impose your expectations on people and things, unconciously demanding that they give you fulfilment and comfort. How do your expectations keep you limited and often disgruntled? Practice identifying, in order to move past this.
* Notice when you cling to experiences, thoughts, emotions, habits and beliefs. Give your "letting go" muscle some exercise and beging to let go. You can start small...
Lots of love & kindness,
Tati
xx
