Aparigraha means non-grasping, non-hoarding, and letting go. Aparigraha is my all time favorite yama practice because of the freedom and openness it brings to my life. When we let go of that which does not serve us or bring us joy, we create space for more happiness, well-being, clarity, intuition and wisdom. How can we effortlessly let go of that which does not serve us? Or better yet, how can we know what isn’t serving us to begin with?

Aparigraha is synonymous with a minimalism or essentialism practice. It is the practice of taking only what you need or will use. The more ‘stuff’ you have on the outside, the less time you have to go inside to discover true self. In the same way that we let go of material items that we no longer need or will use, we can also energetically let go of limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, judgments, biases and identities that no longer serve us (and probably never have).

Ego. loves. attachment. Most importantly, be mindful of how you self-identify in your mind and your attachments to the titles you give yourself. Do you tend to identify yourself with more external titles such as ‘I am a doctor,’ ‘I am an MBA student,’ or with more internal observances such as ‘I am kind,’ ‘I am gracious,’ or simply, ‘I am’? One group is exceedingly more fulfilling than the other.

The final yama! I now send you out into the big, wide world to explore the first limb of yoga of your own. As you intentionally incorporate yamas into your life, you will soon see the expansiveness of the inward discovery towards self knowledge. Up next: the 5 niyamas.

‘It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly.’

Henry David Thoreau

Aparigraha Exercise: This is the perfect time to spring clean your space and get rid of things that no longer serve you nor bring you joy! Incorporate decluttering practices more frequently and bring awareness to where you tend to clutter your space; office, kitchen, mind, etc.

Aparigraha Mantra: I take only what I need or will use.

Want to try some yoga? Check out my free classes!

Brahmacarya means proper use of energy. Before you read this blog, take a moment and think: On the pendulum of “being so busy you can’t think straight” to living like a monk in isolation, where do you fall?

Hopefully you land somewhere right in the middle, not too far to either one side. Brahmacarya, the 4th of 5 yamas or ethical yoga practices, is the practice of moderation and staying-somewhere-in-the-middle. It’s not about stepping back from being brave and courageous on our life advents, it’s about knowing when to work, and when to rest. Practicing brahmacarya helps us keep our lives in harmony and balance. After all, your own energy is your most vital resource.

Do you fall down the rabbit hole of satisfying external desires that only excite for a short time, or are you filling your cup with meaningful experiences that support your growth and future self? We all tend to get distracted by our impulses – it’s part of the human mind. But the more awareness we have of our patterns, impulse reactions, and unconscious biases, the better. Brahmacarya is the practice of consciously channeling that energy into something more useful, meaningful, fulfilling.

Only one yama left! In my upcoming blog you’ll learn about the fifth of five yamas, aparigraha (non-grasping). Follow along as we explore these insightful topics. You can go back and read about the first yama, ahimsa, second yama, satya, and third yama, asteya, at any time.

Comment below and share your experiences with brahmacarya and practicing moderation.

Brahmacarya Exercise: Reflect on an aspect of your life that seems out of balance. Can you identify what it was that took you away from your highest-self? Can you identify some small steps that will help you move back into alignment?

Brahmacarya Mantra: I use my energy in responsible and appropriate ways. I am intentional with where I spend my time and energy.

Want to try some yoga? Check out my free classes!