Aparigraha -"non-hoarding" or "non-attachment"

One of the laws of yoga is Aparigraha. Most people describe this as non-hoarding or being non-materialistic and they throw out all their stuff. But it is easy to lean on the superficial behavior of being possession-less ( you can even get your ego involved in this -- I have less stuff than you do... etc ) , it is the intention behind it that is important.

The point of the law is to be non attached to "stuff" -- relinquishing the idea that something outside of you will make you happy -- that car, that dress, that relationship. Which cant happen because things change, the car will rust, the dress will go out of fashion, the relationship will morph into something else.

So, nobody is saying you cant have nice stuff, it's just that you have to observe your attachment to it. Giving up the idea that you "own" something is another thing --- that if you can just hold onto something for long enough it is truly yours and you have it under control.

Now go beyond material things -- what else do you think you "own" (control) ? your relationship? your kids ? your job or status? your good looks? your time ? your beliefs?

Can you let go of these things ? Can they let go of you ?

Aparigraha or non-attachment can maybe be better defined as non-clinging. Loss is inevitable because nothing stays the same. It is resistance to change that causes pain. Clinging onto something sure doesnt help. Clinging onto that tattered, old pair of jeans, clinging onto old relationships.... I'm not saying this is easy. People dont like change -- especially if the change is perceived as a loss.

Spring Cleaning time is coming soon... start thinking about what old stuff you can clear out of your life and your closets.