Yoga off the Mat - Aparigraha "Letting Go"

International Women's Day on Tuesday 8th March 2022

#BeBoldForChange

We don't always need to be so rigid in our yoga practice. Try moves in the park, the office, whilst watching TV or when out shopping.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a collection of four books written by Sage Patanjali to guide the reader through the trials and tribulations of self-discovery through yoga. The goal is to reconnect the mind and soul back to the physical body through self-reflection, mantras, and spiritual practices.

According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, there is an eight-fold path leading to liberation, known as the 'Ashtanga Yoga System' or 'Eight Limbs of Yoga' (the word 'ashta' means 'eight' and 'anga' means 'limb').

The eight limbs of yoga are

1. Yama (abstinence)

2. Niyama (observances)

3. Asana (yoga postures)

4. Pranayama (breath control)

5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)

6. Dharana (concentration)

7. Dhyana (meditation)

8. Samadhi (absorption)

When we look at Yama (abstinence) this is broken down further into five Yamas.

1. Ahimsa (active kindness)

2. Satya (truth)

3. Asteya (giving back)

4. Brahmacharya (abstinence) and

5. Aparigraha (letting go)

Aparigraha - pronounced, "Apareee...graaa...har" directs us to "let go". Removing any obstacles that do not serve us.

Here are two simple ways to bring Aparigraha into your life.

1. Removing clutter unwanted clothing, faulty electrical items, withered plants and "stuff" that hold negative memories and emotions need to leave our lives. Either donate, recycle or bin.

2. Spring Cleaning wear comfy soft clothing, play uplifting, gentle music (the kind you hear in a Spa that makes you go "ahhhhhh"), burn candles or oils (the kind you smell in a Spa that makes you go "ahhhhh"!). Take your time. There's no rush. Enjoy this process of "letting go" rather than having the mindset of having to get it done.

Once you are happy with your work treat yourself to a spray of flowers or a new plant.

Bringing the outdoors in will rejuvenate your space and bring new life into your home.

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Namaste my friend, Suzanne

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