CHRISTINE MALOSSI
  • Home
  • About
  • Private Instruction
  • Writing
  • Blog
  • Contact

12/30/2014

Aparigraha - Greedlessness

0 Comments

Read Now
 
This month we continue our limb-by-limb exploration of the eight limbs of yoga as delineated by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. It’s appropriate that on this last day of 2014 we’ve reached the fifth of the yamas (universal ethical observances), aparigraha.  Sometimes translated as greedlessness, aparigraha encompasses the concepts of non-hoarding, non-possessiveness and non-attachment. 

This precipice on which we stand between the old year and the new is the perfect point at which to practice aparigraha: to notice where we can let go and where we should hold on.  It’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on what the past year has wrought and what we wish to see the new year bring.  This practice can be done on multiple levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

On a physical level, aparigraha encourages us to not covet objects or possessions that we don’t have. It can be a useful practice to look at one’s material possessions and determine what really needs to stay and what can go. In this way we can reduce clutter, organize and simplify our lives.

This same practice is useful on mental, emotional, and spiritual levels as well. Particularly as we approach the new year, we might take the time to sit quietly and take stock of what’s working and what’s not…to notice where we can soften and relax, and where we should focus more attention and energy…to observe what emotions, thoughts, and actions we want to bring with us into the new year, and which we can let go.

Sally Kempton describes a beautiful ritual for releasing the mistakes and regrets of the past year and setting your intention for the new year in this article from Yoga Journal: http://www.yogajournal.com/article/yoga-101/old/

Wishing you so much happiness and health in the year to come!

Share

0 Comments
Details

    Author

    Christine Malossi is a yoga teacher and writer based in Manhattan.

    Archives

    September 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Email: christinemalossiyoga@gmail.com
© 2011 Christine Malossi. All rights reserved.
Photos: Rachael Elana Photography
  • Home
  • About
  • Private Instruction
  • Writing
  • Blog
  • Contact