Practicing Non-Attachment For Inner Peace
"Suffering is not holding you, you are holding suffering"- Buddha
In Pantajali’s Yoga Sutras, the fifth limb of yoga is Aparigraha, or non-attachment. The art of letting go for how we think things should be, or for how we want things to be, but rather accepting things for exactly how they are. This is what we also call in yoga the "observer's mind" where we observe our thoughts without attaching to them, viewing them simply as the witness. When we are non-attached, we cultivate inner peace.
Non-attachment is the pathway to freedom from mental constraints, and it's not easy, but it is well worth it. It's a practice of being mindful and present in each moment and noticing when our mind wanders, what it wanders to, and drawing it back to the present moment.
It's observing others and the world around us without judgment but rather curiosity and compassion, for we too are what we see (even if we desperately try to deny it).
Yoga has changed and evolved a lot over its 5,000 year journey and because of its fluidity it has taken many shapes and forms, but the roots are strong and hold the foundation for our practice.
We are entering the season of change and I invite you to observe the change and roots within you and to practice the fifth limb of yoga, to be non-attached, to observe yourself, others, and the world around for exactly how it is, without expectations or judgments.
When judgment or attachment do arise (and they will) explore it. Sit with it and dig deep, ask "why" as if you are a three year old child and lovingly interrogate the psyche to reveal what is yearning to be healed within you.
"Why is this bothering me?"
"What emotion is stirring up in me?"
"What memory does this bring up for me?"
"How do I physically feel when I have this thought, attachment, judgment ,etc"
"What are my expectations and why?"
"How can I release this attachment? Is it serving a purpose?"
When we find ourselves judging others, sit with what it is you're judging. For example if you find yourself triggered over manipulation, then explore manipulation. Go back to the very first time you experienced it, how it made you feel, what was the outcome. How you feel manipulated today. Where you see others being manipulated. The ways in which you have used manipulation tactics and why. Do the (hard) work to push through to the other side until you feel the judgment dissolve and e replaced with compassion.
Happy digging, exploring, and healing!
Yours in Yoga,
Amanda
September 4, Yin Yoga and Thai Massage w/Mat, 11-1pm
September 9, Kid Goat Yoga, 8:30-9:30am
September 11, Goat Yoga, 9-10am
September 18, Goat Yoga 9-10am
September 23, Virtual Healing + Tarot Readings 6-7:30pm
