Aparigraha, non-attachment, is the fifth Yama. We can become attached to anything, people, possessions, expectations about how life should be, our physical appearance, our routine, and even our journey toward enlightenment. When we cling to these, we can go to great lengths to avoid losing them.  Aparigraha teaches us that rather than fearing an inevitable loss and holding on too tightly, we can instead appreciate and enjoy what’s important to us. As we practice Aparigraha, we acknowledge the impermanence of life and discover a greater appreciation for all life has to offer

What we try to possess, possesses us.

-Deborah Adele

Here’s how I practice Aparigraha in my personal and professional life:

I’m letting go of the way I think things should be.  I’m working on letting go of things I can’t control.  It’s not easy, but I remind myself that life will keep giving me opportunities to practice until I get it right.  I learned to question my should’s, to let go, and to start accepting reality as it is after reading Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie.

Instead of fearing the loss of the most important things in my life, my relationships, my health, and my business, I take care of them.  To strengthen my closest relationships, I apply The 5 Love Languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.  Understanding the love language of family and friends has helped me to show I care in ways they can relate to and appreciate

I take care of my health.  Every day, we need to do everything we can to increase our odds of living a long, healthy, happy life.  If something should happen to go wrong, we’ll be better able to deal with it and to recover if we have been taking care of our health all along.

I dedicate a lot of time, energy, and resources to being a better trainer, yoga instructor, and business owner.  My goal is to give clients and students more, so they keep coming back. I’m always looking for new and better ways to connect with and inspire clients to help them reach their goals. As I expand my own yoga practice, I can better help students have a deeper experience in class.

Nothing lasts forever and there are no guarantees. The most difficult losses I’ve experienced, have led to the biggest accomplishments and the greatest opportunities.  As life brings changes, I let go and discover that I have the power to be happy no matter what. And that’s how I practice Aparigraha.

Up next in part six, Saucha, cleanliness, the first Niyama.

Alicia Cross is a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, and Yoga Instructor with more than 15 years’ experience working with clients in classes and one-on-one.  She is a yogi, meditator, vegan, and lifter of heavy things. If you’re ready to discover the strength and peace that comes from within, email Alicia@AliciaCrossTraining.com.