Aparigraha is non-possessiveness or non-greed. Aparigraha means not coveting what is not ours. It is different from Asteya, which is non stealing. Asteya is rooted from a lack of abundance. Aparigraha is the greed rooted in jealousy. Jealously means that we desire to be what someone else is or to have what someone else has. Aparigraha teaches us, in its essence, to keep the gaze inward and discover our own true nature. To be content with who we are.
Apply Aparigraha into your asana by not looking around and comparing yourself with someone else. Look inside and discover your uniqueness, discover your own self. Honor your body and work within your capacity.
The Yamas: Kindness, truthfulness, serving others, self-control and self-reliance teach us that the inner quest is what makes us feel whole.
Aham,
Vicki
Yoga Goddesses:
ReplyDeleteI don’t know if it is the physical, mental or spiritual elements of this training program (probably a combination of all three) but I am experiencing subtle shifts in my brain and heart. I find the things which two months ago, used to drive me up a wall, no longer bother me. I have more patience and tolerance for others. It’s subtle but profound. What an opportunity to explore and experience all this “stuff” which such fabulous women.
I am leaving Friday morning for the Southern Dharma Retreat Center in North Carolina for a 3-day silent meditative retreat. I am very excited, since I have always wanted to do something like this, but just never took the initiative. Anyway, how all are well and I am so looking forward to next month! Mary-Michael
Just a line that I have on my desk:
ReplyDelete"Always remember... Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though Heaven is on Earth." And this is enlightment: find Heaven in the present moment!
Ahem Prema.
ReplyDeleteI have been applying the practice of Karma yoga to waiting tables for the past month and I feel subtle shifts as well. Work is more fullfilling with serving only with the purpose of doing my best. I want the patron to smile, I strive to please them all, alas, not everyone can be pleased. Am I still working selflessly when I am hoping for the outcome to be positive? I want the people to enjoyu their experience now in a way I havent wanted in a long time. I notice when it gets busy and I have to clean tables while having four other tables in my mind as well, that i want to clean the table perfectly because it is my duty as an aspiring yogi. I must do the Best job I can for the people, because this is my dharma. I was meant to do this at this point in my life, and I truly believe that until I surrneder into my setrvice and realize it is a blessing to be given the chances to practice humility, patience, selfless service,true karma yoga at its core...I wont be able to pass into the next phase of my life. My continuation of my dharma. If a certain sect of Monk has is required to serve for 7 years in fine dining, then my 9 years need to be re exmanined. I need to look within, accept who I am and the events that have led me down this path. I cannot be anyone but me. SAUCA SAUCA SAUCA...JAI JAI JAI...Yoga citta vritti nirodah. Till we meet again-
Shanti Namaste
I have started a new job recently and as you all know last time we all met I was struggling with finding work. I may not be working in my field of expertise, but I am just grateful to have WORK. I will be working as a bank teller and also in the banking marketing, sales and promotions field. I look at this job as an opportunity to serve the community. Through my yoga Journey and training this is how I look at it. I am also having subtle shifts in my ways of living and I know that this is because I am using YOGA in my everyday life.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see all of you. Shanti, Shanti!!