Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, is the fifth and final yama of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
We face constant change in our lives. Nothing lasts forever: everything will, at some point, change.
We often attach our value and worth to external things and possessions. By nurturing aparigraha in our lives, we lessen our attachment to these things and reduce the suffering we would feel when these things or possessions change.
How can you incorporate aparigraha into your daily life?
Lasting happiness and inner peace cannot be found from external sources. Cultivating a more minimalistic lifestyle can help you to declutter your mind and life: the less stuff you have, the less you can attach your well-being to these things, and the fewer possessions you will worry about damaging or losing.
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All that exists is in this moment. The present is the only place you can experience joy. You want to enjoy the process and not just anticipate the end result. To help you be more present, try centring on yourself. Become aware of your breath and notice how your body feels. Try to keep this active focus. Losing this focus isn't a failure; it's the coming back to the focus that matters most. You can set reminders or create habits for mindful moments (such as when brushing your teeth or waiting for the kettle to boil). Also, try to return to this focus when you know you'll feel great value if you're fully present. For me, this is when I'm working on a hobby or with friends and family.
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Cultivate compassion and acceptance towards others. You'll only make yourself frustrated and discontent if you expect someone to be someone or something you want them to be. They're probably doing the best they can, and they just want to find happiness – the same as you.
What about aparigraha and yoga?
Practising yoga should make you feel good, and it should make your body feel good. For your next yoga practice, you could set your intention to be 'centre'. Allow yourself to completely focus on yourself. There's no past you that you need to compare yourself against. There's no future you that you're clinging to become. There's no one else in the room that you need to compete with. It's just your mat, your body and your mind at this very moment.
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