Mona and I are teaching a 10 week class on “The Yamas and Niyamas”. These are the ethical precepts of the yogic life. They are steeped with wisdom and while most of the principles are “simple” they require consciousness to live within.
Week 5 is has me studying the value of “Aparigraha”. Non-grasping, the ability to live fully and love fully and yet be able to let go.
It is the holding on that causes us pain.
- Letting go………..
We have an odd idea that things will or should always remain the same and that we “own” things. If we enjoyed a certain relationship, we are disappointed when it changes. If we lose our job (or anything else we hold important) we can feel frantic and want to “grasp”. Even individuals who have disliked their jobs suddenly want to hold on to them when they find out they may get laid off!
We feel a certain sense of security with what we “have”. We know that things change, that nothing stays the same and yet we often hold on to dear life for something that is obviously ready to be done. Time to let go, move on and let life bring us something else wonderful!
I know. It is sometimes surprising to look in the mirror and see how the years are changing me. It is a surprise because I feel so youthful in my body, mind and spirit. Aparigraha asks that I let go of the image I have had of myself and fully embrace and accept my current phase.
What else do you hold on to? What things are accumulating in your life that you no longer need or even like? Outgrown relationships, closets that are too full, a garage with no space for your car, an idea of who you are and where you “fit” in the world………..
Start to look around in each area of your life. Where can you begin to lighten your load? Where are you holding on tightly? Where we hold onto the tightest is where we need to find some breathing room. The truth is that as we learn to live and appreciate what is given to us each day and in each moment, we begin to feel a greater sense of freedom.
I once read that for every bag of “things” that you bring into the house, that then you fill a bag to take out of the house………….good advice:)
There is a balance in life. An inhale and exhale. We take in. We let go. It is the letting go so we can receive………
We are accepting students on a “drop in ” basis in these classes so if you want to join us this week at Sun Moon Yoga Studios in Mankato, MN. let me know…….
Blessings to you in this reflection………….melaniej
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