Rounding our exploration of the Yamas – part of the ethical guidelines that supports the fuller practice of yoga, we will look at Brahmacharya and Aparigraha.
As we’ve discussed, the yamas help us think about how we can self regulate certain behavior. Brahmacharya is the practice of self control. You can also think of it in terms of finding ways to do things in moderation versus all or nothing. Think about activities in your life that you may over indulge in. Many of us may find this in our everyday habits whether it’s how we eat, move, work, or engage with our smartphones. If we are over exercising we can end up injuring our bodies. If we over eat we may feel sluggish. If we are spending too much time on our phones we may fall behind in other things we need to get done. If any of these things sound familiar and you want to adjust these habits, start small. It can feel overwhelming at first so it’s best to keep it simple. Perhaps set a timer on your phone so that you make sure you’re taking breaks throughout the day. Eat slowly, checking in to see if you feel satisfied versus full. Also not multi tasking while we eat (I’m guilty of this too), can help us sense our body’s feedback.
The final Yama is aparigraha which means non-possessiveness. Take a look around your living space. Do you tend to accumulate things that you never really use or need? If you feel overwhelmed by the physical things around you, again start small. What can you donate that someone else might actually need? Practice spring (or summer) cleaning of your house. Think about creating a little lightness around you.
Aparigraha also asks us to think about what load do we carry around mentally? Do we hold on to stories or grudges that really don’t benefit us or wastes our precious energy and time? Ponder why we hold onto these narratives. And what can we start to put to the side so that we can lighten our mental load as well.
This practice of self reflection is not easy. It takes patience and curiosity to slow down and observe these things. But feeling a little lighter and less bogged down can really improve our overall health and wellness.
We’d love for you to continue exploring these practices with us at The Meetinghouse. We hope to see you on the mat soon!
