Aparigraha – Letting Go/ Non-Attachment

Where Does Attachment Exist?

Non-Attachment is the Final Yama / Attachment is a Klesha

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THIS CONCEPT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO THE PRACTICE OF YOGA

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What support exists with the foundation of the Yamas explored in previous sessions to identify attachments?

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Where attachment exists and identifies with…

Harm Fear

Non-Truth / Manipulation Ego / Pride

Stealing Aversion / Hatred

Excess / Addiction Ignorance / Lack of Knowledge

Where Does Attachment Exist?

In Our Lives-

Every lingering thought, question, action

“Why did I do That?” “Why did this happen?”

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Carceral- Ruminating thoughts, anger/emotion, “the story/labels”, how does samscara show up here?

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Where Can “Letting Go”/ Non-Attachment begin?

• Releasing Expectations of “Who/Where/How I Should Be”

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• After I get through this…
• When I’m settled…
• When I save more money…
• When I lose/gain weight…
• When I find a (new) job…
• When I am in a (different) relationship…
• When I finish…
• When I’m healthy…
• If I…

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• When … we hold on to ideals rather than embrace our current selves we potentially miss opportunities that serve us best.
• When … we make decisions based on our actual current needs rather than delaying in wait for another situation/status we open ourselves up for new opportunities we may not have been able to consider.
• Timing & Perspective… Just as you may have a “wishlist” or timeline for someone elses healing and you may have the experience of another having a wishlist and timeline for you… all are opportunities to release.

Practicing Non- Attachment toward Others:

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Release:

Our Expectations, Hopes, Aspirations for Others

How can support look without expectation?

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Assumptions, Biases, Judgements, Greed

What might communities look like without these?

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What else comes to mind when considering non-attachment?

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Barriers to Letting Go

• No Understanding of How/Why

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• Lack of Resources/Options/Support

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• Fear
• Past Experience
• The unknown is more scary than what is already known
• Identity
• Who am I without… (this relationship, this job, this stuff)
• Guilt
• Hurting others
• Concern for others’ wellbeing
• Self Doubt
• I won’t succeed
• I can’t

Support for Letting Go

• Deepen your Relationship to SELF
• Yoga & Mindfulness (Intention)
• Continued self study and practice
• Where is harm? What is true for me? How might I be getting in my own way? What do I actually need?
• Meditation Practice / Hobby & Activity
• Journaling
• Trusting you “Gut” Instinct
• GRATITUDE
• Accountibility, Understanding, Patience
• Memories, Knowledge, Experience welcome

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• Approach External Relationships Mindfully
• The Four Agreements
• (Impeccable w/Word, Do Your Best, NOT Personal, NO Assumptions)
• Non-Harm, Truth, Non-Stealing, Non-Excess

WHY PRACTICE APARIGRAHA?

a consideration for the chakra system

Indicators of Imbalance

Crown – Sahasrara

Inability to Make Decisions, Dissociation, Greed, Depression, Domination over Others, Destructive Behavior    

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Third Eye – Ajna

Vision Problems, Headaches, Migraines, Dizziness, Mental Confusion �

Throat – Vishuddha

Lost for Words, Sore Throat, Teeth Grinding, Ear Pain, Sinus Infections, Thyroid Issues�

Heart – Anahata

Breathing Issues, Heart Issues, Infections, Chronic Fatigue, Critical of Self & Others, Isolation, Lack of Empathy�

Solar Plexus – Manipura

Lack of Confidence/Insecurity, Low Self-Esteem, Digestive issues, IBS, Ulcers �

Sacral – Svadhishthana

Lack of Control/Inability to cope with change, Detached Emotions, Unfulfilling relationships, Sexual Dysfunction, Lack of Creativity

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Root – Muladhara

Sluggishness, Colon & Bladder Elimination Issues, Lower Back Pain, Left Limb pain, Inflammation, Cramping, Nervous & Fearful

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Causes: Linking Adverse Childhood Experiences �

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• CROWN: Negativity and uncertainty in the world contributes to blockages in the Crown Chakra. Exposure to repeated lies, misinformation and expectations of blind obedience without reason or alignment with personal truth cause individuals to become complacent and uninspired. Essentially experiences that lead us question our faith and spirituality contribute to the clouding of this chakra.

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• THIRD EYE: Constant changes without resolution and traumatic events “beyond our control” can cause blocks to this chakra. When we are unable to complete tasks, find closure, and/or plan ahead we begin to lose the desire to do so out of fear of disappointment.

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• THROAT: The throat chakra can become clogged when personal truth is compromised. This can be the result of lies and secrets told and held on to that are painful, manipulative, traumatic, forced, and/or exaggerated.

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• HEART: Profound grief, broken trust, continued disappointment, and other emotional disturbances that result in heartache build the callouses around the heart chakra.

Causes: Linking Adverse Childhood Experiences �

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• SOLAR PLEXUS: Experiences that lead to feelings of Shame reside in the solar plexus. Feelings that “Your will/personal resolve is broken” because your ethics have been compromised or you have been pushed inappropriately out of your comfort zone.

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• SACRAL: Guilt sits within the sacral chakra. When an experience causes us to feel guilty, a direct assault to our personal morals, we become disconnected to our emotions and ability to connect with others.

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• ROOT: Insecurity and instability lead to blockages of the root chakra. Uncertainty about home, such as children in foster care or individuals who are moved often without the ability to feel settled have difficulty finding security and feeling of being grounded and connected.

Sahasrara:

• Intuitive Knowledge
• Deeper Understanding
• Strong Spiritual Links
• Enhanced Sense of Wonder
• Experience of Completeness

Ajna:

• Enhance Intuition
• Cultivating Creativity & Imagination
• Flexibility in Viewpoints & Opinions
• Breaking through to HIgher consciousness

Vishuddha:

• Improving communication & creativity
• Supports public speaking, singing, dancing
• Develop inner voice
• Supporting voice, face, & body expression

Anahata:

• Find Emotional Balance
• Inspiring “heart-centered” activities (service work!!)
• Forgiveness
• Release Negativity

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Manipura:

• Establish Healthy Boundaries
• Will Power & Assertiveness
• Connecting w/& understanding own Power
• Improve Digestion & Metabolism
• Boosting Stamina & Guiltless Rest

Swadhisthana:

• Increasing Vitality, Sensitivity, & Creative Abilities
• Healthy Expression of Emotion (w/o harm)
• Confidence & self expression

Muladhara:

• Connecting w/your body
• Insight to relationships
• Freeing self from Prejudices & Intolerances
• Releasing yourself from Inherited Negative View
• Valuing All life
• Grounding yourself
• Feeling Secure in life
• Making & Keeping Commitments