Santosha & Aparigraha
I recently worked with the themes of Santosha (contentment in the now) and Aparigraha (non-attachment) in my classes. Mostly because these were things I was struggling with. Within the 8-limbed system of yoga, we have the Yamas (moral guidelines) and Niyamas (internal observances). Santosha is one of the Niyamas, and Aparigraha is one of the Yamas. I really feel that these two elements go hand-in-hand.
A big part of finding contentment in each present moment is through non-attachment. Non-attachment to what a pose looks like, or to ‘achieving’ a pose; non-attachment what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future; non-attachment to the outcome of whatever task you are currently undertaking. Through non-attachment, we aim to be fully present and content in each moment.
Like all of my themes, I work through them on the mat – in the postures, with the breath – in the hopes that I’ll then be able to apply what I learn off the mat. I invite you to do the same.
Can you approach each posture in your practice with non-attachment, and in doing so, find absolute contentment with each pose (even the ones you don’t really like or feel you’re ‘not good at’)?
Then call that experience to mind as you go through your day. Can you approach your day-to-day tasks unattached to the outcomes of those tasks, and in doing so, find contentment in each moment of completing those tasks?
It’s not easy, but that’s why it’s a practice.
If you have any questions, comments, or requests, please leave me a comment or shoot me an email. I would truly love to hear from you!
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