Practicing aparigraha allows us to find purity in our desires and
and find balance in satiating our wants and our needs.
Spiritual Sadhana: Aparigraha
In Patanjali's writings, Yoga Sutra, the eightfold path is called ashtanga, which means "eight limbs". The outlined eight steps serve as a guide on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. According to Yoga Journal magazine, they serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline, directing attention toward one's health and assisting in the acknowledgment of the spiritual aspects of our nature as human beings.
The first limb, yamas, deals with one’s ethical standards and sense of integrity, focusing on the outward actions of our yogi lives. The fifth yama is aparigraha or nongreed.
Aparigraha is all about fulfilling needs, instead of fulfilling wants. In the past, I have practiced aparigraha by being generous with my time. I have found, in my life, that when I have a resistance to go somewhere or do something, it’s usually an indication that I need to just that. For example, it’s 5:30 in the evening and I’ve just gotten home from work, dinner pressing to be on the table and a big desire to continue ironing out my to-do list. An eye aims at the clock while the mind reminds me a yoga class is calling at six. The desire to finish working is a want. The commitment to my yoga practice is a need. The slightest resistance often means opposites attract. The same might be said for when a family member phones in and you’re tempted to “red-button” the call or when a beggar asks you if you can spare some change.
Being able to discern between wants and needs is sometimes challenging; however, practicing aparigraha allows us to find purity in our desires and find balance in satiating our wants and our needs.
I invite you to practice aparigraha in your own, unique way. Meanwhile, I will be taking aparigraha with me to the table. Practicing mindful eating, I will move through the week assessing whether the food I consume is a want or a need.
Practicing non-attachment with our food is essential to maintaining the purity of what’s in our fuel tank. In a recent newsletter note, published by Yoga Journal, “a little indulgence is natural”. Yet, before you let out a sigh of relief, it’s important to realize that overindulgence usually results in a revolting body. According to Ayurvedic principles, when we eat in moderation, our minds, hearts and bodies are in balance, yet when we over-consume, we overwhelm our agni, or digestive fire. This creates chaos in the belly and can result in bloating, weight gain and depression.
Utilizing the eight-limbs of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra and practicing aparigraha allows us the grace to tame the way we treat our food and fuel our bodies. In addition, make this list your go-to for mindful eating, mindfulness in life and practicing aparigraha with your plate.
- Nix multitasking and munching. For example, try to avoid eating while watching your favorite flick or TV Show. Even an extravagant conversation can steal the merry from your meal.
- Chew. We forget the most basic mindful eating tip is the most basic to eating. Chew your food to get the most fulfillment.
- Before you splurge on a total craving, take five minutes to internalize whether your indulging is a want or a need. Assess whether you truly want the eat or whether it’s a need. If you decide it’s just a want, determine if you are wanting it for sensible reasons and what you will feel like post-eating. Oftentimes, simply thinking through actions can assist in making better choices.
- When you’re done eating, be done. It takes the mind a while to determine it’s really full so before going back for seconds, take three deep breaths, allowing the body a chance to communicate.
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