Aparigraha and the Season of Letting Go
As we move more deeply into autumn, I’ve been exploring the fifth and final Yama of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, Aparigraha.
Autumn, with its golden hues and quiet shedding of nature’s bounty, offers a powerful metaphor for one of the core teachings of yoga: Aparigraha.
What is Aparigraha?
Aparigraha translates to "non-greed" or "non-attachment." It encourages us to take only what we need, release what no longer serves us, and avoid clinging to material objects, emotions, or even relationships. In many ways, aparigraha teaches us to move with life’s natural flow—just like water.
As we navigate the demands of modern life, we often accumulate more than we need—whether it’s material items, limiting beliefs, or emotional attachments. Aparigraha asks us to recognise when it’s time to let go, and autumn is the perfect season to reflect on this practice.
Letting Go in Autumn: Lessons from Nature
Autumn is nature’s reminder that nothing is permanent. The trees effortlessly shed their leaves, not out of loss, but to prepare for new growth. Similarly, we can look inward and ask ourselves, "What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?"
This could be objects in our homes, attachments to people or experiences, or even habits and thought patterns that hold us back from growth. Just as trees don't cling to their leaves, we too can release what’s weighing us down. The natural cycle of life reminds us that letting go creates space for something new.
My Personal Journey with Aparigraha
Recently, I experienced this lesson firsthand when I accidentally broke my favourite mug. It might sound trivial, but this mug had been with me for years, accompanying many cherished memories of quiet mornings and tea brought to me by my partner. When it shattered, I felt a deep sense of sadness. It was more than just a broken object—it was a reminder of my attachment to the past.
I realised I needed to let go of my attachment to this mug and the sentimental value I had assigned to it. This experience echoed what I learned during my yoga teacher training. Our teacher would often ask us to place our mats in a different place in the studio every day, reminding us that attachment—whether to a physical space or an object—can limit our experience of the present moment.
Non-Attachment in Relationships
Aparigraha also teaches us to approach our relationships with a spirit of non-attachment. It’s easy to believe that the people around us—partners, friends, even yoga students—belong to us in some way. But in truth, everyone is on their own journey. We cross paths with others for a time, sharing energy and experiences, but we don’t own one another.
In my yoga classes, I often reflect on this truth. The people who attend are not “my students”; they are individuals on their own path of growth and learning. By practising non-attachment in relationships, we honour the freedom and individuality of those we care about.
How to Practice Aparigraha This Autumn
As we settle into the autumn season, now is a perfect time to reflect on how we can bring aparigraha into our lives. Here are a few ways you can practice non-attachment this fall:
Declutter Your Space: Take a moment to go through your home and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. If you haven’t used something in the past year, consider donating or recycling it.
Release Expectations: Whether it's in your personal life, your yoga practice, or your work, recognise when you are holding onto expectations. Let go of rigid ideas about how things should be, and open yourself to the present moment.
Reflect on Relationships: Are there relationships in your life where you’re clinging too tightly? Reflect on how you can honour the freedom of others while still holding space for meaningful connections.
Embrace Change: Like the changing leaves, allow yourself to embrace change rather than resist it. Whether it’s a new routine, a shift in your personal life, or letting go of old habits, trust that change brings new growth.
Journal or Meditate on Letting Go: Spend some time journaling or meditating on what you’re holding onto. Is there an emotion, object, or belief you’re attached to that’s preventing your growth? Writing or meditating on these questions can help you gain clarity.
The Beauty of Letting Go
Practising aparigraha in autumn reminds us of the beauty in releasing attachments. It’s not about loss—it’s about making space for new opportunities, growth, and experiences. Just as the trees let go of their leaves to rest through the winter and blossom again in spring, we too can flow with the cycles of life.
As the leaves fall and the world around us is constantly shifting, take time to reflect on what you're ready to release. By embracing non-attachment, we free ourselves to live fully in the present, creating space for what truly matters.
Key Takeaways:
Aparigraha is the practice of non-attachment and non-greed.
Autumn provides a natural metaphor for letting go, just as trees release their leaves to prepare for new growth.
Practising aparigraha can be applied to material items, relationships, habits, and beliefs.
Embracing this Yama allows us to live more fully in the present moment and create space for what serves us now.
Photo by Frankie Takes Photos.