Let It GO
One of the 10 Living Principles of Yoga is the concept of non-grasping, or Aparigraha. Aparigraha is also translated as non-possessiveness, non-coveting, or non-attachment. Even with its many translations, this concept boils down to “Let it go, let it goooooo!” (Sing it like Elsa from Frozen, lol.)
Anytime we hold on tightly to anything, whether it’s people, places, ideas, or things, it has potential to take our mind away from the path of peace and yoga (yoga meaning union, not asana.) Impermanence is the nature of life, but we often resist change. We grasp and cling to the way things were because it makes us feel secure. But this resistance to change ultimately causes us pain.
Here are some common examples of the ways we cause ourselves pain by resisting change:
-Teenagers may lock horns with parents as they begin to claim independence. Parents may think they are keeping them safe, but in reality, they are trying to delay or control the teen’s transition to adulthood.
-Some people wrap their identity around who they are at work or with different friend groups. Then when the person retires or the friend group dissolves, there is a struggle for identity.
-People become very attached to ideas around the physical body. Its size, its age, its ascetic, and more. Resistance to normal physical changes have caused entire industries to be born.
Besides relationships to ourselves and others, non-grasping can be practiced around the objects that are in our homes. The things we possess may begin to possess us over time. Watch for the accumulation of clutter that is in your physical space, and notice its effect on you. If you have taken things that were given to you for free, but never use them, then they weren’t free. They are adding to your clutter, and probably weighing down your spirit as well.
It may be a daunting task, but try getting rid of your possessions that are no longer bringing you joy. Check out Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up which explains just how much your stuff brings you down or lifts you up. Possessions can be anything from clothing, to memorabilia, to plastic bags full of other plastic bags. Letting go of things you no longer need may make room for new things to come into your life, at the very least it will bring a sense of freedom.
Finally, recognize the breath itself is a constant reminder of the need to let go. The inhalation will never come if we never let go of the exhalation. Each inhalation we bring in only what we need, it fills us, it nourishes us. Each exhalation we let go, we release things we do not need like tension and toxins, and make space for the next inhalation. And so goes the continuation of a lifetime.
Decide today to let go of the things you do not need. Create space, both physically and mentally, and welcome new things to fill your heart and mind. New adventures, new experiences, and new ways of being at home within yourself, it all begins with letting go.