Yama no. 5: Aparigraha – Letting Go and Living Freely

Have you ever held onto something so tightly? an idea, a possession, a relationship? that it began to weigh you down? In a world that teaches us to accumulate—more things, more achievements, more status, it’s easy to fall into the trap of grasping. But true freedom comes not from holding on, but from letting go.

Aparigraha, the fifth Yama in the Eight Limbs of Yoga, is the practice of non-attachment and non-possessiveness. It teaches us to release our grip on material things, expectations, and even identities that no longer serve us. It is the wisdom of knowing when enough is enough.

In Judaism, there is a deep recognition that everything we have is ultimately temporary. The Torah reminds us: "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). We are stewards, not owners, and when we loosen our grip, we make space for abundance in unexpected ways.

Practicing Aparigraha on the Mat

Yoga reveals our attachments in subtle ways:

• Letting go of comparison: Are we attached to looking a certain way in a pose, or can we embrace where we are today?

• Releasing expectations: Do we judge ourselves when a posture doesn’t happen as we planned, or do we trust the process?

• Not clinging to progress: Growth isn’t linear. Some days we feel strong; others, we feel stuck. Aparigraha reminds us to flow with whatever comes.

When we stop forcing and start allowing, our practice becomes lighter and more joyful.

Practicing Aparigraha Off the Mat

Aparigraha extends far beyond the yoga mat into every part of our lives:

• Detaching from material excess: Do we accumulate things we don’t need, thinking they will bring security or happiness?

• Letting go of control: Do we try to micromanage life, resisting the natural ebb and flow of change?

• Releasing toxic mindsets: Are we holding onto resentment, fear, or limiting beliefs that no longer serve us?

• Trusting the process: Life rarely unfolds exactly as we planned. Can we surrender to what is, rather than clinging to what we thought should be?

The Talmud teaches: "Who is rich? One who rejoices in what he has." (Pirkei Avot 4:1) Aparigraha invites us to trust that we already have enough, and in doing so, we find true abundance.

Living with Open Hands

When we release our tight grip on possessions, outcomes, even versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown, we make space for something greater. Letting go is not about losing; it’s about creating freedom.

Today, ask yourself:

• What am I holding onto that is weighing me down?

• How can I invite more trust and surrender into my life?

I’d love to hear your reflections. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

With love and gratitude,

Niah