It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the physical and emotional clutter that accumulates in our lives. Today, I want to share with you one of the Yamas, or ancient yogic ethical tenets, that has impacted my life and teaching: Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness or non-attachment. This principle isn’t just about releasing material possessions, though that’s a part of it. It’s about freeing your heart, mind, and soul to fully embrace the present and the contentment it can bring.
Understanding Aparigraha
Letting Go: More Than Just Objects
At its core, Aparigraha involves letting go – of objects, thoughts, relationships, and old patterns of behavior or thoughts that no longer serve us. It’s about releasing what we hold onto so we can find more freedom. It’s about not allowing something we don’t have control over to consume us. Have you ever been so stressed about something, like a promotion, that you missed out on being truly present in a conversation with a loved one?
The Joy of Gratitude and Abundance
Aparigraha teaches us to have gratitude for what we currently have, unlocking a sense of abundance that allows us to enjoy the simple pleasures around us. Imagine feeling rich, not in material possessions, but in moments of joy and connection. This isn’t to say you can’t enjoy your material possessions. You can if it doesn’t turn into greed.
Why We Hold On
The Fear of Change and Loss
Letting go can be scary. We fear that if we release something, we might want it back, or worse, we might lose an essential part of ourselves. Yet, this clinging often keeps us stuck, preventing both us and the things we hold onto from moving on to something potentially better.
The Illusion of Control
“Anything we cling to creates a maintenance problem for us,” says Deborah Adele. Our attachments, whether to material possessions or an image of how we think we should be, create unnecessary burdens. These attachments clutter our homes and minds, leaving little room for new opportunities or ways of being. It leaves little space for us to realize our true purpose.
Practicing Aparigraha in Daily Life
Embracing Change and Letting Go of Expectations
To live Aparigraha is to allow life to evolve naturally, embracing changes rather than resisting them. It’s about enjoying life’s pleasures without attachment, knowing that greed only leads to suffering. When we practice non-attachment, we open ourselves to being fully engaged in the present, free from the weight of expectations.
Finding Freedom in Non-Attachment
“A bird cannot hold its perch and fly. Neither can we grasp anything and be free.” Deborah Adele explains. By not grasping too tightly, we find freedom. This freedom doesn’t mean we don’t care or enjoy; it means we don’t let our attachments define or control us. This is evident in the joy we feel when we declutter our space or in the peace that comes from accepting that people will come and go from our lives.
Living Your True Purpose
Ultimately, Aparigraha teaches us to depend on ourselves and a higher power, to do the work without attachment to the outcome. It’s about letting go of our ego and attachments to how we think things should be or things we cannot control, so we can live our true purpose with contentment.
Personal Insights
The Spring Cleaning of the Soul
Every year, I undertake a physical spring cleaning of my home, which feels good for my soul. The act of letting go of things I no longer need always leaves me feeling lighter. Plus, these items can be useful to someone else. It’s a tangible experience of Aparigraha that I look forward to, knowing the peace and space it will create in my life.
The Parable of the Sand
A simple but powerful analogy I share with my students is the gripping of sand. When you try to hold onto sand too tightly, it slips through your fingers. However, when you hold it gently in your palm, it stays put. By releasing our grip and simply supporting, we allow for the possibility of amazing things to happen.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
The practice of Aparigraha offers a path to emotional, mental, and even physical wellbeing. It teaches us to find richness in the present, to release what no longer serves us, and to embrace the flow of life with open hearts. While it may be challenging at times, the freedom and peace it brings are worth the journey.
Much Love & Health,
Carrie
Resources:
Adele, Deborah. (2009). The Yama & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice. Duluth: On-Word Bound Books, LLC.
Harris, Gabrielle. (2019). The Language of Yin. Luminary Press.
Larkin, Brett. Aparigraha [Video]. Uplifted Yoga. www.brettlarkin.com
Several years ago, I felt stuck in my own life and had no idea how to get out of the rut I was experiencing. These yogic practices helped me so much to get back in tune with my own wants, needs, desires, and dreams that I had let take a back seat while I took care of others. I created this program because I don’t want anyone else to feel like I did. This is an opportunity to use yogic tools like asana (yoga sequences), meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques), and journaling to:
- Reconnect with yourself (in less than 30 minutes a day)
- To learn yogic practices to help release your stress & anxiety
- To create a habit of self-care and self-inquiry
- To move your body to ground and, also, release your energy depending on which you may need
Click HERE to head over and experience the first 3 days FREE to get a feel of the program and decide if this opportunity is right for you!