Are you ready to lighten up? When we clear space in our lives, whether it’s physical or emotional, we make room for fresh energy to come in. We create a lovely flow of new things, experiences, and people to come and go. This is the quality of the 5th yogic guideline or yama, aparigraha.
Aparigraha means non-possessiveness. In other words, not collecting, grasping, or attaching, and releasing what no longer serves you. Aparigraha is generous. Let things go. GIve them away. Often what we possess begins to possess us in the amount of time, money, and energy it requires. Simplifying our lives frees us up to travel lightly through the world and stay present to the wonder and beauty all around us.
Let that sh*t go. Forgive yourself and others. Release your anger, envy, resentment, judgment, and blame. Holding onto these feelings is exhausting. It takes a lot of energy to keep rehashing the past. It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. You are only hurting yourself.
Let go of your expectations. It is the nature of things to change and by failing to let them change or move on, they begin to disappoint us and weigh us down.
Look at how much you already have. Count your blessings. Know you are enough and you have enough. Strengthen your connection with your spirituality.
Finally, try the following practice to invite aparigraha into your life. Hold your palms together facing upward in a gesture of offering. Take a deep breath in through your nose, purse your lips and slowly exhale, blowing the air over your palms. On the inhale, say to yourself, “Let”, on the exhale, say “Go.” Scan your body and consciously relax any gripping or holding.
If you'd like to discuss the yogic principle of the Yamas & Niyamas and ways you can incorporate them into your life, join Lisa Frank at The Nest on the first friday of the month from 6:00 to 7:30pm.